The basement often remains the last project of a new house or renovation. However, finishing this project means a complete house that saves you money and increases your comfort. They can be less inviting than the other spaces in your home, or less necessary. But when you put effort into the design and comfort of your basement, the space can flourish. One of the most important steps of any basement renovation is insulation. That’s why Tropical Insulation has all the best basement insulation materials available. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions or bookings.
Remember that every project is unique, and that means you might require a specific type of insulator. For example, if your environment is moist, you’ll have to consider that before you insulate your home. If that’s the case, keep reading to find out which basement insulation will work best for your home.
The 3 Best Basement Insulation Materials
Having the best basement insulation material makes a huge difference in the quality of your lower level, but it’s important to choose wisely. Older homes once all used fibreglass to insulate basements, and while that remains a strong choice, there are other good candidates.
So let’s take a look at the three best basement insulators.
Fibreglass Basement Insulation
The old classic: fibreglass. It’s made from plastic that is reinforced with very fine glass fibres. Found in most older homes, everyone is familiar with this material. And that means that you know it is an irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Another downside to the material is that it is prone to mould problems in the basement. So if you’re building in a wet environment, it might be best to avoid fibreglass. That being said, there are ways to build around this, and fibreglass remains the cheapest and easiest DIY basement insulation material.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation is a modern invention that has many benefits. It’s designed to fill in all the cracks and seals wherever used. That means that it’s highly effective at sealing air gaps. Often spray foam makes for the best insulation for basement walls for this reason. Another benefit to the material is that doesn’t hold water, which means you don’t have to worry about mould and mildew. And with a perfect seal, you can expect better noise reduction too!
With all the positives out of the way, it’s important to remember that spray foam is more expensive than fibreglass. It’s also not the easiest to DIY. Even if the material itself is very effective, it’s meaningless if the insulation is not applied correctly.
Foam Board Insulation For Basements
Foam board insulation is a rigid panel that can be cut to fit any part of your home. This makes them great for a DIY project. Polystyrene or polyurethane usually compose the materials of the boards. The fantastic thing about these materials is that they resist water and create an effective air barrier. And depending on which type you get, you may not need to replace them over time. What a cost-saver!
They aren’t perfect though. With improper installation, you will have air leaks. Particularly polystyrene foam board insulation is susceptible to moisture accumulation. Also, if you don’t have access to any cutting tools, these aren’t going to be very useful.
Eco-friendly Basement Insulation
If you’re looking for eco-friendly green insulation for your basement, you’ve got a few options. Check out our article here for a full look at all of your options, but for now, let’s take a look at sheep’s wool! You’re probably familiar with the material in clothing, but did you know that it’s one of the best insulators for basements? It’s fire resistant, does an incredible job at insulating for temperature, and has a breathable inner layer that absorbs moisture.
Although it’s more expensive than most materials you could use, sheep’s wool is one of the best ways to set a constant temperature in your home and never change it again. Also, it saves major dollars on your energy bill every month!
Tips to Insulate Basement Walls and Ceilings
If you’re looking for some quick information on a DIY basement insulation project, check out these pro tips:
- It’s important to create an air seal to prevent moisture and heat loss.
- Fibreglass is the cheapest option, but spray foam is the most effective.
- All three materials, fibreglass, spray foam, and foam board are DIY possible.
- A perfect insulation job will save you money over time on your energy bill.
Call the professionals at Tropical Insulation here to get started on your basement insulation project now!
Best Insulation for Basement
The prospect of finishing your home excites homeowners, and Tropical Insulation exists to make the process simple and easy. When you’re choosing the best basement insulation for your home, make sure to consider a few things like moisture and temperature. Cost is another important factor. And if you’re not that great with your hands, don’t worry! Installing insulation isn’t easy.
If you have more questions or concerns about how to best insulate your basement, don’t hesitate. Take a look at the full range of our services for homeowners here, and we’ll get started right away.