Insulate basement walls to at least R-16
Uninsulated basements can contribute to up to 1/3 of home heating costs.
Insulating basement foundation walls on either the interior or exterior will produce equal energy-savings. Make sure the insulation runs continuously from the foundation’s footing to the underside of the subfloor. Eliminate air leaks with expanding foam or by filling joints with tape and mastic. Pay particular attention to band-joist areas.
Exterior insulation is harder to protect from abuse and insects than interior insulation, but it better protects against temperature swings by locating the thermal massHeavy, high-heat-capacity material that can absorb and store a significant amount of heat; used in passive solar heating to keep the house warm at night. of the foundation wall within conditioned spaceInsulated, air-sealed part of a building that is actively heated and/or cooled for occupant comfort. .
Consider using insulating concrete forms (ICFs), a basement foundation alternative that nets high insulation values and low air infiltration.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. : up to 2 pts. For meeting basic insulation requirements
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: considered mandatory, no additional points awarded
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia:
Further Resources
Building Science Corp.
DRAWING LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
Profiled in our Product Guide
