Wednesday 15 October 2014

Combating a Cold and Moist Basement With Proper Insulation

As the temperature drops, you may find yourself avoiding your once beloved basement.  The cold and damp atmosphere which you enjoyed throughout the summer months has become uncomfortable, preventing you from enjoying your rec room, playroom or even guest room.

While there may be many contributing factors to a chilly basement, the number one cause is typically poor insulation.

Ontario Building Code previously recommended only the top half of basement walls to be insulated with a fiberglass blanket and plastic vapour barrier (see photo). This minimum code requirement does not provide an efficient insulation system as fiberglass is not recommended against a concrete surface. In addition, moisture can reach the vapour barrier, travelling from the outside damp ground to the drier interior, becoming trapped and leading to mould issues.

Modern building science now recommends that walls be fully insulated from the plywood floor above, down to the concrete. This is now code in new construction, however, if you live in an older home, you may find that your basement is often damp and cold.

Closed cell spray foam is the best way to insulate a basement wall. Not only can it seal your home from air moisture intrusion, it also protects your home from mould, airborne pollutants and other allergens.

Spray foam can be installed in many places, including:

• Basements
• Walls
• Attics
• Crawl Spaces
• Garage Ceilings
• Concrete Slabs
• Cathedral Ceilings


The cost of insulating with spray foam insulation can often be recovered in less than 5 years, simply through energy savings alone. 

Georgian Insulation offers Walltite Eco Spray Foam, made from renewable vegetable oils and recycled plastics, blended into a high performance spray polyurethane foam. 

Walltite Eco = High R-Vale
Achieve monthly savings of 40% or more 

Walltite Eco Spray Foam has a high R-Value, enabling it to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other type of commercial insulation. Compared with traditional fiberglass products, you may save 40 per cent or more on your monthly energy and utility bill.

Georgian Insulation Systems, is Central Ontario's premium spray foam insulation contractor. We're recommended by leading custom home builders, commercial design/builders, architects, home inspectors and our many customers. We provide Polyurethane Spray foam, Cellulose, Fibreglas, Roxull, Fireproofing, Insulation Removal, concrete slab lifting with injected polyurethane and epoxy crack filling. Contact Us for a Free Quote - Or Call 1-866-576-9338.