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Basement Insulation Problems: 4 Things that Can Cause You Troubles

basement insulation

Basement Insulation Problems: 4 Things that Can Cause You Troubles Blog Feature
Amanda Ringler

By: Amanda Ringler on November 25th, 2020

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An uncomfortable rec room defeats the purpose of creating a man cave or craft room oasis in your basement if you can’t enjoy it.

Problems with your basement’s insulation can lead to several problems that will make the space uncomfortable and anything but energy efficient.

Other problems could even affect the rest of your home, including cold floors and frozen pipes.

RetroFoam of Michigan has helped thousands of homeowners enjoy their basement while saving them money on monthly energy bills. We do this by adding an air seal with foam insulation throughout the home's building envelope.

Enough about us, let's take a look at the top four basement insulation problems and how you can fix them.

Basement Insulation Problems

basement insulation

The problems you can experience in your basement with little to no insulation range from moisture issues, problems with comfort, and energy efficiency challenges.

Mold on Insulation in the Basement

Many people don’t realize they have a moisture issue until mold and mildew are already present in their basement.

If you have fiberglass insulation in your basement, the material will hold that moisture, eventually creating mold.

Solution: It’s important to insulate your basement with a material, like spray foam, that will create an air barrier and doesn’t promote mold or mildew growth.

The biggest thing to look out for is checking to see if the insulation material you are considering will retain moisture when it gets wet. If the insulation does, then it's not going to be a good fit for the basement. If it doesn't, then you're in luck.

Cold Floors in the Rest of the Home

There is an overlooked part of your basement that can be causing your cold floors – the rim joist.

Even if there is traditional insulation in the rim joist, if it doesn’t create an air seal, the cold air from outside will get into the house and cause drafts and cold floors.

Solution: It’s important to make sure all aspects of the basement are insulated with a material that will keep the outside air out.

When insulated with an air barrier material, the rim joist and basement ceiling are areas that will prevent those cold floors and drafts.

Frozen and Bursting Pipes

If your pipes run through your basement and it’s not well insulated, then frozen and even burst pipes could be in your future.

When the cold air from outside gets in through the rim joist and basement, that cold will come in contact with your pipes in that area.

Solution: Ensure your basement is insulated to prevent cold air from getting inside, but you can also add insulation around your pipes to ensure they don’t freeze.

Ductwork Blows Cold Air in the Winter

When ductwork is exposed to cold air, it makes your furnace work overtime.

The vents in the rest of your house will be blowing out cooler air, so you’ll keep adjusting the thermostat, and that will lead to high energy bills when everything is said and done.

Solution: One option is to get duct insulation wrap from your local hardware store.

If you want to look at the bigger picture, installing insulation that creates an air seal will solve this problem while saving you money on monthly energy bills.

Solving Your Basement Insulation Problems

To fix the problems you’re facing in your basement, you first need to learn how the different kinds of insulation materials work.

Some homeowners have found to conquer their moisture and temperature issues in their basements, spray foam insulation was the best option.

If you are interested in learning more about foam insulation's benefits, check out the Learning Center on our website.

You may be further in your education process and are ready to experience those benefits firsthand. If you live in Michigan’s lower peninsula or the greater Toledo area, give us a call at 866-900-3626 or fill out the form on our website to request a free in-home estimate.

Related Articles

How to Insulate a Michigan Basement

What is the Best Insulation for a Basement? (Fiberglass vs Foam Board vs Spray Foam)

Can You Use Spray Foam to Stop Basement and Foundation Leaks?

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About Amanda Ringler

Amanda previously has worked as a breaking news and crime reporter, TV news producer, and editor in Flint and Detroit. Throughout her career as a journalist, she has won several awards from The Society of Professional Journalists - Detroit Chapter and the Michigan Press Association. As part of the RetroFoam of Michigan family, Amanda uses her experience as a journalist to write content that will help educate homeowners on the benefits of foam insulation. When Amanda isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and rescued huskies. She also loves knitting, making art, cooking, and hosting dinner and a movie night for friends and family.