Why Basement Insulation Is One Of The Most Important Fort Collins Home Upgrades
Home improvement isn’t always about aesthetics. Sometimes it is more important to focus on comfort and efficiency. That’s why upgrades might center around areas that are out of sight but have a big effect on the rest of the house. Basements are a perfect example of this. By insulating basement, you can create a much better indoor environment for your family. It’s one of the best investments you can make today.
The Benefits of Basement Insulation In Colorado
Contents
Below, we discuss some of the advantages of insulating your basement.
Say Goodbye to Cold Floors
During winter, the simple act of walking around the house in bare feet becomes an unpleasant experience. The floor gets too cold, and you can get shivers upon contact. It’s the cold ground making the basement chilly, which, in turn, cools the rest of the house. By fortifying the insulation in this area, you can create a thermal envelope that shields the basement from the influence of the outside environment. You won’t have to dread the cold floors in winter anymore.
Better Temperature Stability
Of course, it’s not just the floors that will stop becoming a nuisance. Additional insulation will result in better temperature stability throughout the house. That means you won’t have to worry too much about wild temperature swings outdoors. Insulation blocks heat from moving out of the house in winter and into the house in summer. You won’t be at the mercy of the weather. It will feel comfortable indoors throughout the year.
Minimize the Stack Effect
Warm air inside the house tends to escape up through the attic. As it moves out, it creates a vacuum that pulls cold air up from the lower areas of the home. As the air in the basement leaves, cold, humid air from the outside moves in from the vents and the cracks. Moist air can encourage the growth of mold and mildew as it condenses on the cold walls. In time, this could become a health hazard. Basement insulation can minimize the stack effect and prevent the spread of mold spores.
Reduce Heating & Cooling Costs
With a more stable indoor temperature, you can use your furnace and air conditioner more efficiently. They won’t have to work extra hard just to combat the fluctuating weather. With lower energy consumption, your monthly energy expenditures will also drop. This is a big deal since the HVAC system is generally the biggest contributor to the energy bills. Imagine how much you can save year after year. This is more than enough to justify the insulation cost.
Lower Incidents of Indoor Draft
Indoor draft can make you feel a sudden chill as cold outdoor air moves inside the house. This is common at intersections, such as that of the walls and floor. Certain types of insulation can reduce this by creating an airtight seal across the walls. It will also prevent insects and pests from getting inside. This will make the space more pleasant to be in.
Types of Basement Insulation
Below, we discuss some of the insulating materials that are typically used in basement spaces.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the fluffy pink product that you commonly see being rolled between wall studs. It is the most common type of insulation. You won’t have problems finding this at a local store since a lot of homes use it. If it comes down to availability, then you might have no choice. You may use it for your basement, although it is not the best option for such a humid area. The material may be moisture resistant, but it is susceptible to mold. If you want to play it safe, then consider other products such as spray foam.
Spray Foam
As the name implies, this type of insulation is sprayed onto surfaces instead of being rolled and attached. It expands upon contact and fills up the empty spaces. Compared to fiberglass, this is a more expensive option that justifies the price with better performance in humid environments. Spray foam also has a high R-value, proven mold resistance, a long lifespan, and the ability to create airtight seals. It can prevent drafts and seal leaks.
Foam Board
Rigid foam boards are good alternatives to spray foam. You can find these in different R-values and sizes, so pick one that suits your requirements. It also shrugs off moisture so it’s a good fit for damp basements. Just be aware that this material tends to cost a fair bit of money, although installation is easier and cheaper.
Basement Areas that Need Insulation In Fort Collins Homes
Walls
Place the insulation on the surfaces that are most prone to heat transfer such as the walls of the basement. These have the biggest areas of contact with outside influences, so you need to pay attention to these if you want to lower energy consumption, reduce drafts, and block moisture.
Ceilings
If the house floor is perpetually cold, then you could insulate the basement’s ceiling to solve the problem. During winter, this barrier will also keep heat within the home instead of letting it get drawn into the basement.
Floors
Basement floors are the coldest floors in a home. If you want to make this area more pleasant to be in, then have a professional come in to install insulation. It is a more complicated task because of the possibility of flooring and other moisture issues. It will also require the construction of a subfloor. Consult an expert to do this right.
Conclusion
If you want a better indoor environment, then pay attention to your basement. Add insulation on key surfaces to prevent heat transfer, contain moisture, and seal the air leaks. Talk to an insulation specialist to figure out the best approach for this home improvement project. You can always count on professional installation to give you superior results.
Insulating Basement In Fort Collins CO
When it concerns insulation, consulting with a professional insulation company is the best option. There are a lot of factors to consider when determining what type of insulation works best for your home. Ascend Construction specializes in insulation removal and installation, energy conservation, energy audits, whole house fan installations, and more in Fort Collins, Colorado, and the neighboring areas.
Contact Ascend Construction for a free consultation today. We can provide you with practical solutions to address the problem areas in your Fort Collins home. All of our services are affordable and our work is guaranteed. Click here to contact us or click the button below to give Ascend Construction a call. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home consultations.