How to Insulate Interior Basement Walls?

The basement of any home can be a very chilly and cold space. A large number of people like to convert their basements into some office space or workroom, but if it’s going to be cold down there, it may interfere with productivity. One way to effectively convert your basement into a workspace is by insulating the walls so that you don’t end up freezing in the winter months. Today, we have put together a list of tips and ideas that you can incorporate to insulate the walls of your basement. Here’s everything you need to know:

Drawbacks You Need To Know About Concrete Block Walls

So before we get into details about how you can insulate your basement walls, let’s understand the cons and pitfalls of concrete walls:

Concrete walls tend to be a lot more expensive than your average brick walls or walls of any other materials.

Concrete walls require proper waterproofing or they can end up getting waterlogged and can collapse.

Using concrete blocks for the walls is not an eco-friendly option.

Concrete walls need proper insulation because they have practically zero thermal resistance and can make the surroundings cold in the winter months.

Use Spray Foam To Separate Your Basement Walls

One effective way to insulate the walls of your basement is by using spray foam. This foam is amongst the best options that you can use to insulate the damp and cold concrete walls of your basement. Spray foam is beneficial for a variety of reasons that include providing R values, covering pipes and wires, proving to be a vapor barrier and adding structural stability to the walls. Spray foam is easy to spray on, eco-friendly and it is durable too. The only drawback with this insulation option is that it can prove to be a little costly.

Using Fibreglass For Insulation

Another effective way to insulate the concrete blocks of walls of your basement is by using fiberglass. You can purchase and install fiberglass boards for the basement walls. These boards are easy to install and will keep your basement warm in the harsh winter months and cool in the sweltering summer months. This material slows down the spread of sound, heat, and cold. Fiberglass is an inexpensive insulating option. You won’t even need to hire professionals to get the job done. The installation of the fiberglass panels of boards can be undertaken as a DIY project. The only drawback of the fiberglass insulation boards is that these boards don’t provide insulation and protection against moisture, so if you’re planning on installing fiberglass as an insulation measure, make sure that you have the walls waterproofed before you install the boards.

Install Felt Panels On The Walls

Felt acoustic wall panels are extremely useful in insulating the walls of your basement and these felt wall covering options are also helpful in adding charm to your basement décor. If you’re planning on converting your basement into a workspace, you will need décor options that are affordable, insulation friendly and fabulously designed. The wall felt options are just what you need to upgrade your utilitarian basement into a classy and upscale workspace. Not only will these acoustical felt covering options keep the basement warm in the winters and cool in the summers, but they will also play an essential role in hushing background noise and creating an atmosphere that is peaceful and tranquil.

Foam Boards For Basement Wall Insulation

If you’re looking for an affordable, hassle-free and DIY option for basement wall insulation, then foam boards are just what you need. Foam boards are readily and easily available, they are reasonably priced, and they can be installed against the cold concrete walls in a matter of minutes. When installing these boards, you only need to ensure that you seal them against the wall properly. When selecting the foam boards for your basement walls, make sure that you opt for boards that have a thickness of around 2 to 4 inches.

Waterproof The Concrete Walls

While insulation may be a necessity for your basement walls, before you start using insulation products, you need to make certain that you have the walls adequately waterproofed. The one issue with concrete walls is that if they are not waterproofed, they can get waterlogged and end up collapsing and causing fatalities, casualties and a whole lot of damage. There are many ready to use waterproofing kits that are available for your basement walls. However, if you’re unsure about using these kits, you can always hire professional contractors to get the waterproofing job done. Typically the waterproofing job needs to be completed as and when the construction of the basement is finished. Waterproofing is a one time expense that will end up giving you relief from leakage and other water-related issues.

Basement Wall Insulation And Do You Need It?

Now the question that often arises amidst many homeowners is whether or not they need to insulate the walls of their basements. Well, if you’re planning on using your basement as a commercial space, a small office, a study room or an arts and crafts room, then you will need to get the wall insulation done. If you don’t insulate your basement walls, you’re going to end up getting roasted in the summer months and frozen in the winter months. However, if you’re only using the basement for storage and other such purposes, then you don’t need to get the walls insulated.

Well, that’s everything you must to comprehend about basement wall insulation. Insulating the basement walls is a relaxed and hassle-free process. Just select the insulation method that best suits your needs and requirements and get right to the job. You can get all the insulation materials you need at your local hardware store or on online shopping portals. If you are unable to get the job done due to time constraints, you can hire professional contractors to complete the wall insulation for you.