How To Install Basement Wall Insulation

Insulating your unfinished basement is a beneficial home improvement project that can be completed over the course of a weekend. This seemingly small upgrade saves energy, increases the level of comfort in a home and improves the overall appearance and lighting of your space.

Gather the material and tools and learn how to install basement wall insulation, a cost-effective and rewarding project you or your contractor can easily complete. First, estimate the amount of insulation needed by measuring the length of the walls of the area you are insulating.

Clear the walls and area where you will be working and be sure to give yourself adequate room to install the insulation. Prior to installation, repair any large cracks or moisture leaks.

TOOLS & MATERIALS NEEDED FOR BASEMENT WALL INSULATION

Then, gather the tools and materials you will need:

Furring strips
Concrete anchors
Cap nails
Can foam
Ladder
Hammer
Drill, preferably a masonry drill
Patch tape
Utility knife
Recommended Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Dust mask, preferably NIOSH-certified N95
- Eye protection
- Gloves
- Loose clothing, long sleeved shirt and long pants

AIR SEALING

Air seal and insulate the band boards above the basement walls. These areas are where most energy loss and air infiltration occurs. To reduce heating and cooling costs, it is critical to insulate and air seal them properly.

INSTALLING THE INSULATION

First secure the furring strips to the basement walls. This is easily done by drilling a pilot hole in the wall and using the concrete anchors to secure the 2” x 2” furring strips to the wall. A masonry drill will work best. Typically you can use three anchors per 8’ furring strip or more if necessary.

Use the cap nails to install the basement wall insulation to the furring strips using the tab or flange on each side of the roll. Space the cap nails approximately 18” apart across the top of the insulation, securing it to the furring strip. Use a sharp utility knife to easily cut around wall obstructions.

SECURE FURRING & SECURE EDGES

Once the insulation is draped from the top furring strip, secure the second furring strip to the wall beneath the insulation. Fasten it using the other flange on the basement wall insulation. After all the basement insulation has been installed, use patch tape to seal the seams between the upper and lower runs of insulation. Cover the cap nails and seal any exposed edges.

With a properly insulated basement you will save money on heating and cooling costs, brighten up your unfinished basement and improve your comfort level year-round.

How to Choose the Right Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation

The smart choice to make spaces more comfortable and energy efficient.

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R-Value

The ability to resist heat flow — insulation's thermal resistance.

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Thermal Properties

Ability to enhance a thermal enclosure for comfort and efficiency.

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Insulating For Sound

Sound absorption characteristics, helping reduce noise transmission.