Basement Waterproofing Case Studies: Basement Wall Insulation Options
Challenge
This basement in Broadlands Virginia was too cold in the winter. In spite of the fact that there was insulation on many walls and in some of the rim joists of the basement wall frames. Some of the existing insulation was collecting moisture and mold. The homeowner wanted to make the basement more comfortable and be able to have it finished in the future. After discovering there was water coming through some cracks in the basement wall/foundation, it was determined that several things were needed to help remedy it all.
Solution
Three different types of insulation were used to help make the basement more comfortable. Silver Glo insulation paneling was used to fill the rim joists of the home and were air sealed with Zyp Foam to keep external air from coming into the home. The wall cracks were sealed with Carbon Armor to keep water from continuing to come through before being covered with Basement to Beautiful insulation panels. These panels have built in metal studs to serve as framing to put drywall over top of. In some of the spaces that already had traditional fiberglass insulation, it was removed and replaced with rock wool insulation. Rock wool is denser and better insulates walls as well as helping with sound reduction. Clean Space vapor barrier material was then used to cover several sections of the walls. This will all help to keep the external water from coming in along with external air, leading to a more comfortable space all year long.
