Should Basement Floors Be Insulated

Basements require special subflooring that will not get moldy or deteriorate when exposed to moisture.

Should basement floors be insulated.

If you do use your basement as a living space a home theater a playroom or a guest bedroom for example the answer is no. Foam and water do not mix. If you re planning on finishing a basement or portion of your home that has a concrete floor then it may be a good idea to insulate it before installing basement flooring. When insulation is installed it is most commonly found between the floor joists to prevent the crawl space air from entering through the floors above.

A properly installed subfloor will create a flat insulated substrate for the finished floor of your choice ensuring more warmth underfoot. If you are planning to finish the basement space you should also consider adding a layer of foam insulation below the slab. In most cases a basement with insulation installed on its exterior walls should be considered a conditioned space. Even in a house with an unconditioned basement the basement is more connected to other living spaces than to the outside which makes basement wall insulation preferable to ceiling insulation.

Ceiling insulation helps stop heat from leaking into the basement from the floors above which means it makes the basement colder significantly so. Rarely do home builders insulate the foundation wall or sill plate. Whether your basement is finished or not proper insulation is important for temperature control and the prevention of moisture. Choose a basement insulation option that is best suited for your home and budget.

Insulating concrete floors if you live in a cold climate then you re no stranger to cold concrete floors in the winter. Basements should be insulated on their perimeters they should not be insulated between floors. Foam insulation for instance is a common material for basement walls. The insulation may not save much money in energy bills due to moderate earth temperatures at that depth but it will warm the floor surface enough to reduce condensation.