Insulated Foundations Saving Money for Homeowners

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

Moisture

Today's new construction basement foundations are designed to allow little to no moisture beyond the wall. Although the basement wall systems are designed to be impermeable, any accumulation of moisture can develop into mold on fiberglass insulation, fiberglass attracts particles that allow mold spores. Older houses have been known to have pre-existing moisture problems or poor drainage in the basement should consider external insulation or spray insulation alternatives. Spray foam is an excellent alternative as it fills every crack and crevice, and has a higher R value than fiberglass insulation. If the house has a dry basement, there are a variety of opportunities to get an insulated foundation.

Methods and Cost

Apart from being more environmentally friendly, lower energy costs are a major reason for increasing energy efficiency in a home. But if the cost to develop a more efficient home than those saved in energy, consumers need to ensure that they research all their options. Insulating a basement is not a small financial investment, it can be quite expensive depending on the chosen method. Unlike new homes that have perfected concrete insulated forms, homeowners who need to add insulation to their basement can make it through several methods: dig around the entire perimeter of the home and install exterior insulation, the spray foam insulation to cover the floor joists and possible existing basement walls line floor joists with fiberglass insulation and / or existing walls if dry walled, filling the space between studs with loose-fill insulation install foam board insulation to all relevant areas. The more sophisticated and time-consuming methods can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the job, while fiberglass insulation and loose-fill insulation is generally the most cost-effective provided there is a dry basement.

New Construction Funds

New building materials used in basement foundations allow homes to be energy efficient, dryer and give more habitable areas. With the introduction of precast basement walls for a new home foundation can literally entered in hours and provides ample insulation and structural integrity. The walls are designed with metal knobs ready to accept drywall, wiring, plumbing and to install additional insulation. Consulting with a professional contractor for prefab basement walls can potentially save homeowners thousands of dollars in energy costs in lifetime home.

Because there are many ways to insulate a basement, choose a method depends entirely on the moisture levels and total cost of the homeowner. On average, homeowners can save up to $ 400 a year on energy, depending on geographic location with an insulated basement. Overall, new home highly insulated and works well by keeping the basement 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.