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Insulating Exterior Foundation Walls
Advantages and Disadvantages of Insulating
Exterior Basement Walls
By: Mark J. Donovan
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There are a number of advantages of
insulating exterior foundation walls. However, there are also some disadvantages
as well. It is much more cost effective to install rigid foam insulation up
against exterior foundation walls while the home is being built, and more
specifically, before backfilling around the foundation. Insulating exterior
basement walls on an existing home, on the other hand, can be quite expensive,
particularly if there are no plans to install a perimeter drain around the
foundation walls in the process.
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Advantages of
Insulating Exterior Foundation Walls
One of the principle benefits of
insulating exterior foundation walls is that it reduces heat loss through the
foundation walls, and therefore reduces home energy costs. This is a
particularly important benefit in colder climates where there is deep frost. In
addition, in colder climates the exterior foundation wall insulation can
actually help to protect the basement walls from cracking due to extreme
freeze-thaw cycles.
Another benefit of insulating exterior basement walls is that it helps to
protect the waterproofing coating that is applied to the exterior foundation
walls when the foundation is backfilled.
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Photo By Mark Donovan |
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In addition, it helps to mitigate
moisture penetration through the foundation walls.
Insulated exterior basement walls also help to reduce condensation on interior
basement walls, as well as reduce the thickness of insulation required on
interior basement walls.
Disadvantages of
Insulating Exterior Foundation Walls
Insulating exterior foundation walls
does have a few disadvantages. Again, as I already mentioned, installing
exterior foundation wall insulation as a retrofit project is expensive.
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In addition, insect infestation and
water damage can be a problem with some types of exterior foundation wall
insulation products.
For best results when insulating
exterior foundation walls use 2” waterproof, insect resistant, rigid foam board
insulation panels. In addition, it is important to make sure the panels are
attached flush to the basement walls and that adjacent panels are butted up
tightly against one another. In addition, all panel seams should be sealed and
flashed properly to prevent water penetration in between panel seems.
If you live in an area with known Radon gas problems, insulating exterior
foundation walls can exacerbate the buildup of Radon gas in the basement.
Consequently, it is important to test your basement for Radon gas and install a
Radon gas mitigation system if necessary.
Finally, moisture levels in basements are typically quite high and can become
even higher in a well insulated basement. High moisture levels in the basement
can lead to mold and mildew growth. Consequently, it is important to include a
moisture control system, such as a dehumidifier, in the basement to mitigate the
risk of moisture problems.
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