Insulate Your Basement Before Finishing It
o you decided on a basement renovation? Congratulations! - major renovator
However, before you invest into expensive home theatre system, solid hardwood floors, high-end designer trimwork glass shower and luxurious finishes ask yourself a question: will my investment be properly protected?
Because of their under-grade place cellars are chronically moist or highly susceptible to developing some type of moisture difficulty. They're also known as homes' black holes which consume heating energy and increase your energy bill.
Another product of basements that are soggy, mold, is the leading cause of allergies in Northern America.
That is certainly why before going any further with your cellar finishing strategies, think of adequate basement insulation.
Super Insulate your Cellar Finishing Project
For decades contractors and home owners have now been trying to resolve the issue cold and moist basements. You've probably learned of wood frames, fiberglass insulation or foam insulation. All they are very poor choices to get a basement mainly because they're all extremely susceptible to water damage.
Insulated Concrete Forms, or ICF, is a fast developing technology that allows for long-lasting, energy-efficient basement insulation. ICF uses expanded polystyrene (EPS or commonly referred to as styrofoam). Insulating basements with EPS is usually 3-5% more expensive than with traditional techniques but pays off in through lower energy prices.
Apart from functioning as a dependable, long lasting insulator EPS has other advantages over traditional stuff:
- ICF does not have any air leaks and reduces heat loss. Studies show that house constructed with ICF use up 30%-70% less saving 1000s of dollars in electricity bills. Thermal resistance of ICF building (so called R-value) is several times higher than that of wooden frameworks.
Typical wood frame wall has an STC (sound transmission class) evaluation of 33. ICF walls consistently attain STC evaluations of 55.
- ICF provides better structural integrity (up 10 times higher than wood) and higher resistance to powers of nature.
- Cellar finish using ICF technology gives your house a higher resale value thanks to the longevity of its own elements.
- Cellar finish using ICF technology almost eliminates any possibility of mould or fungus development and has better insect resistance.
Every one of these properties make EPS perfect substance for the climate in Ottawa with showering rains in spring as well as fall, its scorching heat in the summertime and significant snows in the wintertime. - major renovator