Insulation Location & Quantity for Basement Foundation Walls
InspectAPedia® -
How much insulation to put on basement walls, where to insulate
Heating cost savings amount achieved by insulating basement walls
Advice on use of reinforced stucco paints vs. real stucco on foundation insulation
Use of polystyrene insulation on foundation walls
Solar Age Magazine Articles on Renewable Energy, Energy Savings, Construction Practices
Questions & answers about basement wall insulation specifications & requirements
Basement wall insulation guide: this article discusses the quantity and location of basement foundation wall insulation and the energy cost savings that will be achieved. We also discuss use of stucco, reinforced stucco paint, and other protective coverings for foundation exterior insulating board.
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The question-and-answer article below paraphrases, quotes-from, updates, and comments an original article from Solar Age Magazine and written by Steven Bliss.
Basement Foundation Wall Insulation Thickness, Location, & Energy Savings
Question:
I plan to insulate the outside of a concrete-block basement foundation wall with extruded polystyrene board insulation, but anything over 1-inch thick will make for a difficult installation and be aesthetically questionable.
What minimum thickness or R-value is necessary to make a foundation wall insulation project worthwhile?
Do you recommend fiberglass-reinforced stucco paint or conventional stucco as a protective coating to be applied over the exterior-applied foundation insulation? -- George Ciechanowski, Pleasantville NJ
Answer:
Energy Savings from Insulating the Basement Wall
According to computer simulations performed for a house in Columbus Ohio (Solar Age, 7/83 p. 47) with a heated basement, insulating the exterior foundation wall to R-5 will result in a 57 percent reduction in heat loss through the basement walls.
Insulating the basement wall to R-10 will increase savings to 70-percent.
In many cases - with heated basements in particular - the added heating cost savings will justify the expense of going to two inches or more of solid foam insulating board on the foundation walls. However, as you can see, one inch of insulating foam is certainly worthwhile.
Use of Stucco vs. Reinforced Stucco Paint on Foundation Insulation
As for real stucco vs. reinforced stucco paint, the former is tougher and a more durable product. If you choose stucco paints to coat your foundation insulation, get one that is specifically recommended for application over foam insulating board and follow the instructions.
Surface preparation (such as washing off dirt and debris) is important, as is keeping water from getting from behind the finish. (Such as due to roof runoff splash-up against the foundation walls due to poorly-maintained gutters).
Other foundation protection covering options include 1/4-inch fiber cement board, pressure-treated plywood, or special fiberglass panels made for this application by Trend Products.
The text below paraphrases, quotes-from, updates, and comments an original article from Solar Age Magazine and written by Steven Bliss.
The question-and-answer article about foundation insulation options and foundation insulation protective coatings, quotes-from, updates, and comments an original article from Solar Age Magazine and written by Steven Bliss.
Weather Barrier Coatings, Mastics, Sealants, Adhesives used on Buildings, Building Sheathing & Building Foundation Coatings
AkroGuard,Omega Products, International, 1681 California Ave, Corona, CA 92881, Tel: 800-600-6634, 951-737-7447,
Fax: 951-520-2594, Quoting from the company's product description:
AkroGuard is a field applied, non-cementitious, [acrylic] flexible coating that when used with AkroFill creates a water-resistive barrier over approved substrates.
Basic Uses:
AkroGuard is designed for use as a water-resistive barrier and air barrier over approved substrates and with the AkroFlex EIF Systems. Complies with ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Water-resistive Coatings (AC212).
AkroGuard may be applied to the following substrates:
Thanks to reader J. Campbell for pointing out this product, March 2010.
Krystol Hydrostop, Kryton Corporation, "Crystalline Waterproofing" masonry sealer. MSDS for Krystol Hydrostop WB [copy on file as /exterior/Krystol-hydrostop-wb.pdf ] - from Kryton Corporation. Masonry sealer.
Krystol T1 and T2 waterproofing system is brush-applied onto concrete surfaces to become an integral part of the concrete. It contains Kryton's renowned waterproofing chemicals and is durable and self-sealing.
Vi-Cryl CP-10 (Trowel Grade) & Vi-Cryl CP-11 (Spray/Brush) Weather Barrier Coatings, Childers Corporation. We discuss the use of this coating at INSULATION LOCATION for BASEMENT WALLS. Quoting from the company's product literature [copy on file as /exterior/Vi_Cryl_cp-10-11.pdf ] - ,
VI-CRYL CP-10/11 weather barrier coating is unsurpassed for the
mechanical protection and weatherproofing of thermal insulations both
outdoors and indoors, in hot, cold, and dual-temperature service.
However, since it is a ‘breathing’ coating (vapors under pressure will
pass through it) it should only be used over insulations in lowtemperature,
or dual-temperature service when the insulations
themselves are vapor barriers. VI-CRYL CP-10/11 has also found use
throughout the thermal insulation industry as a coating used over closed
cell polyethylene and polyurethane foam insulations. Industry
experience has demonstrated that all weather barrier coatings may
blister when applied over polystyrene board. This effect may be limited
by the use of white colored coatings. VI-CRYL CP-10/11 weather barrier
coating in its Metallic Gray color is the ideal companion product to
Aluminum and Stainless Steel Jacketing. VI-CRYL CP-10/11 gives
superior mechanical and chemical protection to any irregular shape or
surface where the application of Childers Metal Jacketing Systems is impractical.
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AkroGuard, Omega Products, International, 1681 California Ave, Corona, CA 92881, Tel: 800-600-6634, 951-737-7447,
Fax: 951-520-2594, Email: info@omega-products.com. Web search 02/22/2011, Quoting from the company's product description: AkroGuard is a field applied, non-cementitious, flexible coating that when used with AkroFill creates a water-resistive barrier over approved substrates.
Basic Uses
AkroGuard is designed for use as a water-resistive barrier and air barrier over approved substrates and with the AkroFlex EIF Systems. Complies with ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Water-resistive Coatings (AC212).
- original source: http://omega.omega-products.com/p--67--AkroGuard--53.aspx
- MSDS original source: http://omega.omega-products.com/Files/Download/Omega_MSDS_AcylicFinishes.pdf
Campbell, J. - reader, pointed out the use of AkroGuard acrylic coatings as a building coating that may serve as an air or moisture barrier - March 2010
Childers Corporation, Specialty Construction Brands, Inc., producer of Vi-Cryl [copy on file as /exterior/Vi_Cryl_cp-10-11.pdf ] - water based vinyl-acrylic mastic coating for thermal insulation, 315 South Hicks Rd., Palatine IL 60067 800-231-9541 or 800-338-2975
Trend Products, Inc., PO Box 327, Waupauca WI 54981
Solar Age Magazine was the official publication of the American Solar Energy Society. The contemporary solar energy magazine associated with the Society is Solar Today. "Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Our mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. We advance education, research and policy. Leading for more than 50 years.
ASES leads national efforts to increase the use of solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies in the U.S. We publish the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, organize and present the ASES National Solar Conference and lead the ASES National Solar Tour – the largest grassroots solar event in the world."
Steven Bliss served as editorial director and co-publisher of The Journal of Light Construction for 16 years and previously as building technology editor for Progressive Builder and Solar Age magazines. He worked in the building trades as a carpenter and design/build contractor for more than ten years and holds a masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Excerpts from his recent book, Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Wiley (November 18, 2005) ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, appear throughout this website, with permission and courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Best Practices Guide is available from the publisher, J. Wiley & Sons, and also at Amazon.com.
Excerpts with updates and annotations expanding the original Best Practices Guide text can be found in the online review and book summary at BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES GUIDE and also at DECK & PORCH CONSTRUCTION, at INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE, and in other articles found at InspectAPedia.com such as HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS, SOUND CONTROL in buildings, and other topics.
ASHRAE resource on dew point and wall condensation - see the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, available in many libraries. The following three ASHRAE Handbooks are also available at the InspectAPedia bookstore in the third page of our Insulate-Ventilate section:
2005 ASHRAE Handbook : Fundamentals : Inch-Pound Edition (2005 ASHRAE HANDBOOK : Fundamentals : I-P Edition) (Hardcover), Thomas H. Kuehn (Contributor), R. J. Couvillion (Contributor), John W. Coleman (Contributor), Narasipur Suryanarayana (Contributor), Zahid Ayub (Contributor), Robert Parsons (Author), ISBN-10: 1931862702 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862707
2004 ASHRAE Handbook : Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning: Systems and Equipment : Inch-Pound Edition (2004 ASHRAE Handbook : HVAC Systems and Equipment : I-P Edition) (Hardcover)
by American Society of Heating, ISBN-10: 1931862478 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862479
"2004 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment The 2004 ASHRAE HandbookHVAC Systems and Equipment discusses various common systems and the equipment (components or assemblies) that comprise them, and describes features and differences. This information helps system designers and operators in selecting and using equipment. Major sections include Air-Conditioning and Heating Systems (chapters on system analysis and selection, air distribution, in-room terminal systems, centralized and decentralized systems, heat pumps, panel heating and cooling, cogeneration and engine-driven systems, heat recovery, steam and hydronic systems, district systems, small forced-air systems, infrared radiant heating, and water heating); Air-Handling Equipment (chapters on duct construction, air distribution, fans, coils, evaporative air-coolers, humidifiers, mechanical and desiccant dehumidification, air cleaners, industrial gas cleaning and air pollution control); Heating Equipment (chapters on automatic fuel-burning equipment, boilers, furnaces, in-space heaters, chimneys and flue vent systems, unit heaters, makeup air units, radiators, and solar equipment); General Components (chapters on compressors, condensers, cooling towers, liquid coolers, liquid-chilling systems, centrifugal pumps, motors and drives, pipes and fittings, valves, heat exchangers, and energy recovery equipment); and Unitary Equipment (chapters on air conditioners and heat pumps, room air conditioners and packaged terminal equipment, and a new chapter on mechanical dehumidifiers and heat pipes)."
1996 Ashrae Handbook Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equipment: Inch-Pound Edition (Hardcover), ISBN-10: 1883413346 or ISBN-13: 978-1883413347 ,
"The 1996 HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook is the result of ASHRAE's continuing effort to update, expand and reorganize the Handbook Series. Over a third of the book has been revised and augmented with new chapters on hydronic heating and cooling systems design; fans; unit ventilator; unit heaters; and makeup air units. Extensive changes have been added to chapters on panel heating and cooling; cogeneration systems and engine and turbine drives; applied heat pump and heat recovery systems; humidifiers; desiccant dehumidification and pressure drying equipment, air-heating coils; chimney, gas vent, fireplace systems; cooling towers; centrifugal pumps; and air-to-air energy recovery. Separate I-P and SI editions."
Principles of Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning: A textbook with Design Data Based on 2005 AShrae Handbook - Fundamentals (Hardcover), Harry J., Jr. Sauer (Author), Ronald H. Howell, ISBN-10: 1931862923 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862929
Energy Savers: Whole House Systems Approach to Energy Efficient Home Design [copy on file as /interiors/Whole_House_Energy_Efficiency_DOE.pdf ] - U.S. Department of Energy
"Energy Savers: Whole-House Supply Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Supply_Vent.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11880?print
"Energy Savers: Whole-House Exhaust Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Exhaust.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11870
"Energy Savers: Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
"Energy Savers: Natural Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Natural_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
"Energy Savers: Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Energy_Recovery_Venting.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11900
"Energy Savers: Detecting Air Leaks [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Detect_Air_Leaks.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
"Energy Savers: Air Sealing [copy on file as/interiors/Energy_Savers_Air_Sealing_1.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
"Insulation: Adding Insulation to an Existing Home [copy on file as/interiors/Insulation_Adding_DOE.pdf ] - ," U.S. Department of Energy - tips on how to do your own check for the presence of absence of insulation in a home
Insulation: Selecting Insulation for New Home Construction [copy on file as /interiors/New_Home_Insulation_DOE.pdf ] - , U.S. Department of Energy - "Your state and local building codes probably include minimum insulation requirements, but to build an energy-efficient home, you may need or want to exceed them. For maximum energy efficiency, you should also consider the interaction between the insulation and other building components. This is called the
"whole-house systems design approach." [copy on file as /interiors/Whole_House_Energy_Efficiency_DOE.pdf ] -
"Insulation Types [copy on file as /interiors/Insulation_Types_DOE.pdf ] - ", table of common building insulation properties from U.S. DOE. Readers should see INSULATION R-Values & Properties our own table of insulation properties that includes links to articles describing each insulation material in more detail.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop. The Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on Asbestos, Its Industrial Applications, D.V. Rosato, engineering consultant, Newton, MA, Reinhold Publishing, 1959 Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 59-12535 (out of print).
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST (nee National Bureau of Standards NBS) is a US government agency - see www.nist.gov
"A Parametric Study of Wall Moisture Contents Using a Revised Variable Indoor Relative Humidity Version of the "Moist" Transient Heat and Moisture Transfer Model [copy on file as/interiors/MOIST_Model_NIST_b95074.pdf ] - ", George Tsongas, Doug Burch, Carolyn Roos, Malcom Cunningham; this paper describes software and the prediction of wall moisture contents. - PDF Document from NIS
"Weather-Resistive Barriers [copy on file as /interiors/Weather_Resistant_Barriers_DOE.pdf ] - ", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
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