Basements have issues! They get wet in a variety of ways; flooding, plumbing leaks and cracks in concrete and poor drainage are just some of the causes for wet basements. Once they get wet, the after effects generally linger on forever.
Because basements are constructed in a hole in the ground. They are inherently damp and cold and the law of thermodynamics ensures it will always be this way. The facts are; damp air is heavier than dry air and cool air is heavier than warm air. The bottom line – a basement is a damp, cold cellar and unless it is insulated the right way using the right type of insulation it will be damp, cold and unhealthy….forever.
Traditionally, most below grade interior walls have been insulated with batt insulation between wood-framing and a polyethylene sheet used to control air and vapour movement. This is not only the wrong method of insulating and sealing basements, it increases the potential for condensation, mildew, mold and unnecessary health risks.
Basements should be insulated with products that will not absorb moisture or off gas chemicals. Of all foam insulations, rigid Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation is the safest, healthiest and arguably the most energy efficient way to insulate interior basement walls. EPS is moisture and mold resistant and environmentally responsible. Some EPS insulation products like the Quik-Therm Interior Basement and Concrete Insulation System (CIS) are laminated with thin layers of reflective polymers/plastic. These engineered coverings act as code compliant air, vapour, radon and radiant barriers. To learn more about the best way to insulate your basement ….. Click Here
