Insulated Foundations: Saving Money for Homeowners

According to the US Department of Energy, insulated basements, depending on geographic location, can save up to nearly $400 a year on energy costs compared to their uninsulated equivalents. Insulated basement walls are becoming increasingly popular in new home construction with the introduction of precast concrete panels. In addition to the insulated concrete walls used in new homes, rising energy costs are leading existing homeowners to take the financial plunge to develop energy efficient basements and foundations. Interested homeowners should consider several factors before deciding the method of insulating their basement, especially if it is for an existing home.

Moisture

Today’s new construction basement foundations are designed to permit little to no moisture beyond the wall. Although basement wall systems are intended to be impermeable, any accumulation of moisture can develop into mold on fiberglass insulation, as fiberglass attracts particulates that feed mold spores. Older homes that have been known to have pre-existing moisture problems or poor drainage in the basement should consider exterior insulation or spray-insulation alternatives. Spray foam is an excellent alternative as it fills every crack and crevice, and has a greater r-value than fiberglass insulation. If the house has a dry basement, there are a variety of options to have an insulated foundation.

Methods and Cost

Aside from being more environmentally-friendly, lowering energy costs is a major reason for increasing energy efficiency within a home. However, if the costs to develop a more efficient home exceed those saved on energy, consumers need to ensure they research all of their available options. Insulating a basement is not a small financial investment; it can be quite costly depending on the chosen method. Unlike new homes that have perfected concrete insulated forms, homeowners that need to add insulation to their basement can do so through several methods: digging around the entire perimeter of the home and installing exterior insulation; having spray foam insulation cover floor joists and any applicable basement walls; line floor joists with fiberglass insulation and/or applicable walls; if drywalled, fill space between the studs with loose-fill insulation; install foam board insulation to any appropriate areas. The more advanced and time consuming methods can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars depending on the size of the job, whereas fiberglass insulation and loose-fill insulation are generally the most cost-effective assuming there is a dry basement.

New Construction Foundations

New construction materials used in basement foundations permit homes to be energy efficient, drier and provide more livable areas. With the introduction of precast basement walls, a new home’s foundation can be literally erected in hours, and provide ample insulation and structural integrity. Walls are designed with metal studs ready to accept drywall, wires, plumbing, and to install additional insulation. Consulting with a professional contractor about prefab basement walls can potentially save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars on energy expenditures over the life of the home.

Because there are many ways to insulate a basement, choosing a method depends entirely on moisture levels and overall cost to the homeowner. On average, homeowners can save up to $400 a year on energy depending on geographical location with an insulated basement. Generally, new homes are highly insulated and work well at keeping basements dry. Be sure to always consult a professional contractor before installing insulation in a basement, or building a new home to ensure the basement is as energy efficient as possible.