Basement
The basement is another important space to maintain insulation and structural stability. Basements in contact with wet soil can have moisture wick into the building which creates mold and structural degradation. Capillary breaks ( non-porous barriers) are needed to properly insulate and prevent damage.
Are your foundation walls insulated?
2. Is the building science correct (capillary break, condensation control)?
Great—add insulation if needed.
Remove and insulate properly.
3. Are you able to excavate and work from the exterior?
Provide perimeter drain, waterproofing, and rigid insulation (foam or mineral wool)
4. Do you have an existing perimeter drain?
Add interior capillary break and insulation.
Optional to add a perimeter drain if the basement doesn’t get wet; then insulate as above.
5. Is your slab insulated?
Great!
6. Is your radon count high?
Consider replacing the slab, with insulation and a radon pipe below—talk to a radon specialist
It’s unlikely that replacing the slab to add insulation will make sense energy cost-wise, but it is good for moisture and comfort. Also, radon can be a problem in the future.
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This flowchart was originally conceptualized by Tom Bassett-Dilley of Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects, Ltd.