How to insulate the base of the house outside

Insulating your home’s foundation from the outside is a wise investment if you want to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient. This procedure, called exterior insulation, forms a thermal barrier around the foundation to help keep heat from escaping and lower energy costs. You can also increase your home’s overall longevity and structural integrity by insulating the base of your building.

In colder climates, where homes are more vulnerable to heat loss through their foundations, exterior insulation is especially crucial. It is possible to effectively stop heat transfer and keep your house warmer in the winter and colder in the summer by adding insulating materials to the exterior walls of your crawl space or basement, such as mineral wool or foam boards.

Preventing moisture infiltration is one of the main advantages of insulating your home’s base from the outside. Unprotected foundation walls can let moisture in, which over time can cause wood rot, mold growth, and even structural damage. A barrier that keeps moisture out is created by installing insulation and a waterproofing membrane, resulting in a dry and healthy living space.

The effect that external insulation has on curb appeal and property value is another benefit. By adding insulated panels or cladding to your home’s foundation, you can potentially raise its resale value in addition to improving its aesthetic appeal. The aesthetic appeal and additional layer of security this adds to your home can draw in more buyers.

Requirements for basement insulation

Part of the foundation that is situated above ground is called the base. He constantly comes into contact with frozen and uncooked soil from below, and the side walls are exposed to precipitation and drastic temperature changes. All of this results in higher interior heating costs, the growth of mold and moisture inside the home, and a general decline in household comfort. Furthermore, the materials that are used to build the base cause the walls to crack more quickly, necessitating major repairs.

An illustration of how an unscarried base is destroyed

When the basement is heated, the cold’s bridges are closed off, the exterior walls are shielded from freezing and water as well as mechanical damage, extending the structure’s lifespan and reducing the need for maintenance.

It’s critical to adequately heat the base.

But only if the insulation completely satisfies the subsequent requirements:

• minimum heat conductivity;
• zero water absorption;
• high compression strength;
• resistance to microorganisms.

The longevity of the insulation is not the most important factor because it will require fewer replacements and base repairs the longer the material lasts. Since the insulation will be placed between layers of decorative coating and waterproofing on the exterior of the building, there are no strict requirements regarding the composition of the insulation, particularly with regard to its environmental safety.

Efficiency table for squading and efficiency

Comparing different materials and insulation

Choosing insulation for basement

Only plate and sprayed materials based on polymers fully satisfy the above requirements among the wide range of modern heaters. Think about each of their traits in greater detail.

Foamed polystyrene

Even after being used as a heater for a considerable amount of time, foamed polystyrene (foam) never moves. Its low weight, easy cutting, perfect heat retention, and lack of moisture absorption make installation effortless. Furthermore, when it comes to thermal insulation for large areas or on a tight budget, polystyrene has an advantage over other polymer insulation due to its lower cost.

The foam insulation at the base

It is essential to use PSB-C 25 or PSB-C 35 foam for basement insulation because of its higher density and resistance to mechanical loads. The plates range in thickness from 20 to 100 mm, and the number of layers of insulation that can be installed depends on the weather. The material is resistant to even the harshest frosts and summer heat because it can tolerate temperature fluctuations between -60 °C and +80 °C without losing its properties. The average service life is 25 years, and that can be extended by 10 more years with a high-quality thermal insulation pie arrangement.

Notwithstanding all of its benefits, foam has drawbacks as well. For starters, it has a low bending strength, making it brittle, and rodents frequently damage it.

Mice strewn the insulation.

Furthermore, in the event that waterproofing is lacking, moisture seeps through the material’s upper layers and, when it freezes, causes boiling plates.

Extruded polystyrene foam

The structure of EPPS is denser than that of foam, and its cells are no larger than 1 mm. This results in increased mechanical strength and nearly zero water absorption. Additionally, extruded polystyrene foam exhibits greater resistance against microbes, chemicals, and shrinkage deformations. Although it is not advised to use this insulation on wooden surfaces due to its low vapor permeability, it is perfect for thermal insulation in basements.

The most widely used EPPS products are Teplex, Ursa XPS, Technological XPS, Styrofoam, and heaters for Phenoplyx stamps. They are offered in standard dimensions of 1200×600 mm and 2400×600 mm, and in plates with different thicknesses and densities. Subject to styling technology, the material can withstand temperatures ranging from -50 to +75 °C without losing its properties. It is also easily mounted and has a 50-year shelf life.

Extrusion polystyrene foam Technonikol

URSA XPS thermal insulation

One of the drawbacks is the insulation’s combustibility; practically all EPPS brands fall into the G3 and G4 combustibility classes. The material releases toxic gases when it melts.

The price is yet another disadvantage. But when the heating season begins, well-executed thermal insulation quickly offsets all expenses.

Sprayed insulation

Insulation of the PPU’s base

Poliuretan foam insulates the house while also acting as a sound and heat barrier. Its exceptional adherence to all types of bases makes it suitable for insulating every part of the building, from the roof to the foundation. Its primary benefit is that there are no seams because a strong, continuous coating is created during the spraying process.

Basement insulation done seamlessly

Insulation is a quick process; the material hardens in a matter of seconds, allowing you to begin finishing right away.

The only challenge is that applying the insulation requires specialized installation and handling skills. Although hiring a specialist or renting an installation can be costly, the benefits of long-lasting thermal insulation still outweigh the costs. An EPPS layer that is 120 mm thick is replaced with a 50 mm thick layer of polyurethane foam that has a density of 36 kg/m3 and lasts for at least 50 years.

External base and foundation insulation

Video – insulation of the base of the polyurethane foam

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

Enhancing your home’s exterior insulation can make a big difference in terms of comfort and energy efficiency. You can build a barrier that lessens heat loss and helps control indoor temperature by adding insulation to the foundation’s outer walls. In colder climates, where it can prevent frost heaving and foundation damage, this process is especially advantageous.

Take durability, moisture resistance, and R-value (thermal resistance) into account when selecting insulation materials. Mineral wool, spray foam, and stiff foam boards are typical choices. It’s critical to choose a material that complements your climate and budget because each one has benefits and installation requirements. Since poorly sealed or gapped areas can reduce the performance of insulation, proper installation is essential to ensuring effectiveness.

Take care of any current moisture problems and evaluate the state of your foundation before beginning the insulation project. In order to stop water infiltration, which over time can compromise insulation and cause mold or structural damage, proper drainage and waterproofing are crucial. A professional’s advice can help spot possible issues and guarantee that the insulation is installed correctly.

Insulating your home’s foundation from the outside not only increases energy efficiency but also your home’s overall resilience and durability. It makes a home more comfortable all year round, guards against temperature swings, and lowers heating and cooling expenses. By making the right insulation investments, you can raise the sustainability and value of your home while also reducing your energy costs.

Insulating your home’s foundation from the outside has two major advantages: it will increase energy efficiency and shield your property from moisture. Homeowners can effectively improve thermal performance and prevent structural damage by carefully choosing materials and using the right installation techniques, assuring long-term durability and comfort for their living spaces.

Video on the topic

“5 tips on how to insulate the base and save on energy consumption!"

How to insulate the base is the best option

Insulation of the basement of the house outside. How to insulate the base? Insulation of the walls of the facade by foam polystyrene