Basement Insulation in Toronto

A few decades ago, our basements were almost exclusively set aside for the furnace, water heater, washing machine, and dryer. We also stored everything that we didn’t need upstairs. In fact, very few basements were finished, let alone insulated. As years went by, more of us began using the basement as additional living space, and it was necessary to finish the area properly, and make it comfortable and somewhat fashionable. But even then, insulating the basement was not really on the agenda.

In more recent years, things have changed considerably, especially since energy costs have risen so steeply.  Insulating basement walls, amongst other energy saving measures, has become necessary and essential. Of course, we all want to save on energy costs – but the truth is, we also want our comfort. Basement space represents valuable living space, regardless of home size.  It has become a second living room; a games area; an additional bedroom; perhaps a self-contained income suite.

When considering basement insulation in Toronto, many don’t give a lot of thought to insulating. It’s a mistake, because the basement should be as well insulated as the rest of the house. And insulating basement walls might be even more important than other parts of the house. The thing is, basements should be sealed, insulated and ventilated just like any other space. It will significantly reduce the cost of heating/cooling; it will balance the heating/cooling cycles; and overall, it will save energy.

The whole idea behind insulating basement walls is to increase thermal resistance, control the flow of indoor/outdoor air, and regulate the movement of moisture. It’s a “system” that allows the HVAC equipment (all of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning) to operate at full potential.  It also provides enhanced comfort for residents; contributes to reducing energy consumption; and will translate into reduced utility costs. Insulating the basement is practical, proactive, and cost saving.

Is it really worthwhile to insulate basement walls?

It’s absolutely worthwhile to properly insulate the basement - its cost-effective and money saving. In practically every part of the country, it will deliver good value. And in regions with dramatic weather differences between summer and winter, the benefits are even more worthwhile. 

What do experts say about insulating the basement?

In Canada, researchers studied insulation products, installation methods, and relative costs in a wide variety of basement spaces (all shapes and sizes). They concluded that “life-cycle cost” was improved incrementally, the higher the R-Value (R-Value is a measurement of thermal resistance).

What are the cost savings when insulating a basement?

There is no fixed formula. Annual cost savings will depend on the size of the basement; the level of R-Value installed; and the region of the country. However, industry experts agree that a good insulation product, properly installed, will deliver noticeable savings on BOTH heating AND cooling costs.

Are there minimum requirements for basement insulation?

Again, depending on region, minimum code requirements for insulating basement walls will vary. A reputable insulation contractor can advise on which product, or combination of products will be the most suitable. Clearly, new construction will have different requirements than a retrofit.

Should basement walls be insulated from the outside or inside?

Contractors might differ in approach, but agree that the physical state and condition of the basement will dictate the best course of action. There are benefits and advantages to both approaches, and of course, some consideration should be given to the budget implications.

Before insulating, is preparation required in the basement?

Before installing insulation in the basement, a good contractor will thoroughly examine and assess if there is a water entry problem. Water entry problems must be fully resolved before any insulation is undertaken. In some cases, and depending on the problem, this could be a project on its own.

How do the hard-to-reach spots get properly insulated?

Crawl spaces and other hard-to-reach spots are best insulated using a spray foam product. There is no other product application that can seal as effectively as spray foam and provide total coverage. Once applied, spray foam does it all: it seals; insulates; and provides a vapor barrier in one install.

For the homeowner doing some basement insulation in Toronto, everything starts with making the basement space airtight. Every contractor will agree, and will follow with a workable suggestion on a product and installation that suits. Basement floors should be well insulated, just like any other area. Here, the very best option is a solid base of spray foam insulation, with a conventional concrete layer on top. Where the budget will allow, this type of application approach has the best results of any.

For basement walls, it’s also crucial to guarantee an airtight environment. Airtightness will constrain air movement and prevent the buildup of moisture. For this, traditional fiberglass “batts” are viable, but will perform much better in combination with an added spray foam application. The additional application of spray foam creates an air barrier, vapor barrier, and insulating layer in one shot. The “batts” serve to further enhance the insulating value. It’s an effective and affordable approach.

The whole idea of insulating the basement is to conserve energy, with the expectation of reducing utility bills. For that purpose, the best product by far is spray foam insulation. Indeed, more and more contractors are suggesting this product, as they witness the results. But for some homeowners, spray foam is costly, so a combined installation using fiberglass “batts” PLUS spray foam is ideal. The long-term payback is significant, and the reduced utility bills make the overall cost worthwhile.

A well-insulated basement delivers great results for years. And using the combination of “batts” AND spray foam is the perfect solution. At the end of the project, the entire space is airtight; there is an effective air and moisture barrier; and the spray foam envelope creates the highest possible R-Value. With heating loss and cooling loss prevented, annual energy savings are substantial. And for the average homeowner, annual savings will ensure a worthwhile payback period.