Insulate Your Foundation Walls for Energy Efficiency
Many Manitoba homes have uninsulated foundation walls. Concrete is a very poor insulator. Adding insulation to foundation walls can be a cost-effective solution to lower energy bills. No matter which insulation method you use to insulate your foundation walls, it is important to address any structural and waterproofing issues before moving ahead with adding insulation.
There are a few options when it comes to adding insulation to your foundation:
Frost Walls
The most common method of adding insulation to a foundation is framing 2×4 or 2×6 frost walls, insulating these with fibreglass or Rockwool batt insulation, and adding a well-sealed vapour barrier overtop of the insulation.
Exterior Styrofoam
Whether used in conjunction with interior insulation or as a standalone solution, adding Styrofoam to the exterior of your home’s foundation is a great way to keep the heat in while extending the life of your foundation. Seasonal temperature cycling, in combination with exposure to moisture, can weaken concrete over time and eventually cause it to begin to break apart. Adding insulation to the outside of your foundation protects it from damage by keeping the temperature of the concrete more constant throughout the year. To install foundation Styrofoam, we need to excavate at least 4 feet down, around your foundation. Styrofoam boards are fastened to the concrete, flashing is installed overtop of the Styrofoam to shed water, concrete parging is applied over the face of the Styrofoam, and the excavated dirt is placed back against the house.
Interior Styrofoam or Spray Foam Insulation
Another foundation insulation option is the direct application of Styrofoam or spray foam insulation to the inside of the foundation walls. This is not always the most cost-effective or practical solution, especially because it is critical to protect these types of insulation on the interior of the home with drywall, or a fire-rated paint. However, in certain situations, such as crawlspaces, interior Styrofoam or spray foam insulation may be the best option.