Does My External Foundation Wall Need To Be Insulated?

Insulating the exterior of a foundation can provide long-term thermal performance, reduce heating costs, and reduce energy loss between ground and concrete. It also increases floor comfort, prevents moisture problems, insect infestation, and radon infiltration, and reduces condensation and moisture damage. Different options for covering up above-grade rigid foam insulation on exterior foundation walls include plywood, fiber-cement, stucco, and metal.

The ideal insulation product for exterior foundation wall applications is Subterra or Subterra Plus, which is Halo’s underslab insulation. Insulating all exterior walls, including those between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas, is recommended. Moving foundation wall insulation to the exterior side can save on building materials, as it doesn’t encroach upon the foundation.

In cold climates, an exterior insulation layer keeps the concrete foundation wall at the same temperature as the warm one. Insulating the foundation on the exterior side of the wall cavity increases the building’s usable square footage because the insulation doesn’t encroach upon the foundation. Inside insulation is more protected from weather, bugs, and freeze-thaw cycles, but exterior insulation helps limit condensation inside.

It is often necessary to insulate from the inside for economical and practical reasons. Insulating the outside will keep walls from freezing and maintain a constant temperature. The concrete acts as a moisture barrier, keeping the concrete part of the interior thermal envelope, preventing humid interior air.

In summary, adding insulation to the exterior of a foundation can provide long-term thermal performance, compressive strength, energy loss reduction, comfort enhancement, and protection against moisture problems, insect infestation, and radon infiltration.

Should concrete walls be insulated?

The insulation of concrete block walls is a fundamental aspect of enhancing the comfort and energy efficiency of a building. The selection of either injection foam or spray foam insulation can have a considerable impact on the overall performance. To identify the optimal insulation solution for concrete block walls, we recommend consulting the Find a Dealer page, where a comprehensive range of options is available for consideration. RetroFoam is a popular option for insulating concrete block walls.

What are the downsides of external wall insulation?

External wall insulation boards can improve a building’s energy efficiency, but they have several disadvantages. The biggest is impermeability, which can cause damp without proper planning. The size of these boards is another disadvantage, and they can be expensive. Insulative boards, which are commonly used to insulate a wall from the outside, are available in various materials like fiber cement and polystyrene.

They usually require a layer of render on top for added protection and a decorative finish. Cavity wall insulation is not an option for solid walls. It is essential to understand these disadvantages to make the right decision for your property.

How to insulate concrete walls from outside?

The insulation of concrete block walls can be achieved through the use of spray or injection foam, which creates an air seal and thereby enhances the comfort and energy efficiency of the enclosed space. The two methods of installation differ in their respective approaches. The initial method entails the injection of insulation foam into the cores of concrete blocks, representing the most efficacious approach to insulation.

Is it worth insulating foundation walls?

Insulating exposed foundation walls can save you money during harsh winter months by keeping cold air out. However, it’s important to note that insulation doesn’t equate to being sealed or weatherproofed. If your basement floods or water seeps through the walls, you’ll need to address these issues before or during the insulation project. After insulation, check for signs of water damage and monitor the inside humidity to prevent high humidity caused by leaks or moisture. Insulating your basement ceiling can make the floor above feel warmer, while retaining the cool air below.

How to insulate a foundation wall?

This guide provides a step-by-step guide on installing basement insulation. It involves choosing 2-foot-wide by 8-foot-high, 2-inch thick polystyrene insulation panels with tongue-and-groove joints, applying foam board adhesive to the rear, and pressing the panels against the wall. The process takes about 2 to 4 hours. Insulating your basement can lower energy bills, provide more comfort, regulate temperature, and address moisture concerns. This Old House expert, Tom Silva, will guide you through the process.

Should you insulate external walls?

Insulating external walls during building or renovating is crucial as approximately 25% of summer heat gains and winter heat losses occur through the walls. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) sets minimum requirements for total R-values of buildings, which vary depending on climate zone, building type, and use of heating or cooling units. It is essential to determine your specific insulation requirements as different states and territories enforce their own exceptions.

The higher the R-value, the greater the thermal performance, and products with the same R-value have the same insulating abilities. For Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, a minimum R-value of R2. 5 is recommended, while in Perth, Brisbane, and Northern NSW, a minimum R-value of R2. 0 is recommended. Upgrading to an even higher R-value can increase savings and thermal performance. Multiple variants of insulation products can be chosen on the product page.

Do exterior walls need to be insulated?

Insulate all exterior walls, including those between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas, foundation walls above ground level, and foundation walls in heated basements. Apply insulation to floors above unconditioned spaces, cantilevered rooms, slab floors built directly on the ground, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces, and extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.

Consider moisture and air leakage control in each area of your house, radon and radon-resistant construction techniques if necessary, and termite protection in areas with termites. Plan for inspections and consider radon and radon-resistant construction techniques when researching foundation insulation options.

Is it worth insulating the outside of your house?

External wall insulation (EWI) is a cost-effective solution for improving energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental impact. It can save on fuel bills, add value to a home, and reduce carbon footprint. However, landlords are not required to insulate private properties with solid walls, as new tenancies must meet the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least band ‘E’ or above. Many solid wall properties currently fall below the ‘E’ rating, making them less efficient than ‘E’ rated properties.

This presents an opportunity for tenants to propose EWI installation, as EWI is likely to improve the property to band ‘E’ or better. The new law presents a good opportunity for landlords to make improvements in their properties.

Do foundations need to be insulated?

Insulating a concrete slab foundation is crucial for building energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings. It minimizes heat transfer through the concrete, making the space more energy-efficient and comfortable. Insulation reduces heating and cooling costs, maintains a consistent indoor temperature, and helps prevent moisture condensation, which can lead to mold and mildew issues. This guide will guide you through the steps and considerations for effectively insulating your concrete slab foundation, ensuring a comfortable and energy-efficient environment throughout the year.

How do I protect my exterior foundation?

To waterproof house foundations from the outside, follow these steps:

1. Excavate the soil around the perimeter of your foundation.
2. Clean and prepare your foundation walls.
3. Fix damage to your foundation walls.
4. Apply a waterproofing membrane to the outside of the foundation.
5. Install window wells.

There are various reasons to waterproof house foundations from the outside, such as protecting a finished basement from water intrusion without demoing it, or purchasing an old home with fieldstone foundation or cinderblock. The first step is to excavate the soil around your foundation walls, which can be done in sections or all at once.

For exterior waterproofing, it is crucial to expose your foundation wall all the way down to the base of the footing.

Should I insulate the outside of my foundation?

Applying continuous insulation to the outside face of a wall reduces thermal bridging and improves energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. This configuration also prevents condensation, keeping the concrete foundation wall at the same temperature as the interior air. However, there are two disadvantages to this configuration: the above-grade portion of the insulation requires protection, extending at least 6 inches, and the potential for insect infestation.

Insects may find their way through gaps between insulation panels if not properly taped and sealed. To avoid these issues, it is essential to properly tape and seal the joints to prevent insect infestation. Overall, installing insulation on the outside face of a foundation wall can offer several benefits.