What is the best insulation to use in a basement?

Rigid foam sheets are best for DIYers who are insulating basements prior to framing the walls. Rigid foam also works well when the concrete or block walls are smooth and flat. Rigid foam insulation is easy to use. In addition to scoring, it can be cut by an ordinary wood saw.

How can I insulate my basement cheaply?

The smart and inexpensive way to insulate joist bays is to use extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation panels cut to size to fit inside the bay and “glued” in with expanding foam. When the expanding foam hardens, trim away the excess and cover the foam with a piece 1/2″ thick drywall to meet fire code.

Is it worth insulating basement walls?

Basement Insulation. A properly insulated basement can save you money on heating and provide a dry, comfortable living space. In most cases, a basement with insulation installed on its exterior walls should be considered a conditioned space.

What is the life expectancy of a wood basement?

In case you didn’t know; accelerated laboratory testing of modern pressure treated materials indicates a lifetime of over 100 years with no serious deterioration, and the durability of the systems has been amply demonstrated over the long-term by in-ground tests conducted over the past 40 years by various Federal …

What are some disadvantages to a wood foundation?

Disadvantages of Wood Foundations

  • Damage from rot and insects. If a wood foundation is properly built and the site is well-drained, a PWF can last for decades.
  • Expense.
  • Novelty of PWFs.
  • Toxicity of materials.

Is it OK to not insulate basement walls?

There are a few reasons that basement wall insulation is important and necessary. These range from energy conservation, to code requirements in certain areas. Regardless, having a properly insulated basement should be a priority for homeowners.