Commonly, most local building codes regulate the way a basement must be insulated up to a certain point. They usually specify that they be insulated to somewhere just beneath ground level, so that the exposed cement walls are covered and heat will not escape into the air. What these codes do not address however is the fact that wherever there is exposed concrete it will draw heat out of the home itself.

This is especially true for a concrete floor. Government energy studies suggest that exposed basement flooring can account for up to 30% of the total heat loss in the average home.

Determining What Kind of Basement You Have

The basic design of your basement can be a big factor in how much energy it will draw from your home. The oldest of basements are the least efficient. They are usually fashioned straight from rock, and their entire structure is very porous, meaning the need for waterproofing measures to be taken is great.

It was in the 1920s that the idea of a poured concrete basement began to gain in popularity. They are good deal more energy efficient than their older counterparts but the exposed concrete is still a big source of potential energy loss.

New Ideas for Basement Construction

One of the newer ideas in the construction industry, best suited to drier climates, is to construct a basement using treated lumber. This adds warmth, and the wood does not suffer from the problems with condensation commonly found in concrete basements.

Things to Consider

Before you consider re insulating your basement area it is essential that you check for existing water leaks or areas that are a potential flooding danger. Consulting a weatherproofing expert may be a good investment at this point. They can advise about the moisture problems that they observe in your unique space and offer suggestions for the best way to remedy them.

Ask a pro

There are so many ways to insulate both the outside and inside walls in your basement area that again, you may benefit from professional advice. Everything from the traditional stud frame and fiberglass method of insulation to more up to date techniques such as foam sprays can be used, so getting advice as to which technique will be most effective in your home can save a lot of money and potential headaches down the line.

By taking the time to evaluate and properly insulate your basement you will end up saving a good deal of money on your home’s heating costs, and in addition will open up the possibilities for converting the space for living purposes, whether it be adding a home gym or office or even an entire guest suite.

By Melanie Rivera