Basement Insulation
The basement is the first area to be affected by a flood and also the most difficult one to clean up after a flood. Insulation systems for the basement must be able to dry the basement after the flood and maintain the temperature to enable family members to continue using the basement as before. The most important feature of any insulation method or material should be its high moisture-retention properties.
Basement insulation techniques
Most basement insulation techniques involve the use of fiberglass blankets in the walls to provide for insulation. Certain fiberglass insulation techniques also involve polyethylene installation for creating a moisture retention barrier that reduces moisture condensation to a great extent. Another way of basement insulation is to use rigid exterior insulation, which helps keep the moisture and cold and hot winds restricted and helps maintain the temperature in the basement at a constant level.
Problems in carrying out basement insulation
Most homebuilders tend to overlook the basement and do not give it much importance. This can also result in shoddy and inadequate insulation provided for the basement. Considering that the basement is an integral part of any home and also that it is the first to get affected by floods or winds, most moisture related problems can be solved if attention is paid to basement insulation. Hiring professional insulation contractors who would carry out the tasks effectively are recommended. Also basements are most likely to have pipes, ducts and vents and even air-conditioning and washing machine hoses passing through them. Insulation is required to be carried out carefully making sure that important areas like fuse boxes, electrical switches or such other things in the basement are easily accessible even after insulation.
Advantages of basement insulation
The first and most important advantage of basement insulation is that the area is kept dry and moisture-free. This means that problems like mold, mildew, odors and leakages and dampness are automatically taken care of. Utility bills can also be taken care of and greatly reduced if insulation is in place and the basement can be converted into a living space that can be put to various uses by the members of the family.