If you are looking for a way to cut down on your energy bills, install new insulation in your home's basement. Insulation comes in a variety of thicknesses and sizes to give homeowners plenty of flexibility. Insulation is measured by its R-value, which is the heat resistance for each square inch of material. Homeowners who live in cold climates can purchase dense insulation material with a high R value to add significant warmth to the basement without adding a lot of thickness to the walls.
- Large utility knife
- Sealant
- Household caulk
- Caulk gun
- Waterproof paint (optional)
- Tape measure
- Staple gun
- Staples
- Duct tape
Remove any old insulation that may already be installed in the basement by cutting it out with a large utility knife.
Inspect the basement for leaks or signs of moisture, especially around the foundation. Use a sealant containing polyurethane foam to fill in any cracks or gaps to prevent moisture from seeping into your new basement insulation.
Seal the gap between the wooden frame of the house and the concrete foundation. Seal the areas around the pipes, vents, and wires with household caulk. If moisture is a major problem in your area or you have had prior issues with mold and mildew in the basement, paint the walls with a waterproof paint and allow it to dry completely before installing your insulation.
Measure each wall that will be insulated so you can purchase the right amount of insulation material. Run your tape measure from the inside of one wall stud to the inside of the opposite stud to get the exact size of each panel. For a small project, you may only need a few panels of insulation. Larger projects may require an entire roll, which can then be cut into panels with a utility knife as you need them.
Insert a panel of insulation between each set of wall studs. Use a staple gun to secure the edges of the panels to the stud. Seal the seams between the panels with a strip of duct tape to keep air from leaking through.
