What is the Best Insulation for a Basement? (Fiberglass vs Foam Board vs Spray Foam)

Is your basement a less inviting space than you want it to be, and you think insulation can help?

Well, long story short, basement insulation can make a huge difference, but you have to choose the right insulation.

In older homes, the basement many times is left uninsulated. This allows air from the outside to get into the rim joist, basement ceiling, and exposed walls. This lack of insulation will not only make your basement rec room or spare bedroom you’re working on uncomfortable, but it will also lead to drafts along the floorboards and cold floors upstairs.

Types of Basement Insulation

The most commonly used insulation materials in the basement include spray foam, fiberglass, and foam board.

RetroFoam of Michigan has more than 17 years of experience insulating thousands of homes from top to bottom. If you’re looking to make your basement a more comfortable space, we’ve got your back with information on what the insulation options are and what will be the best fit.

In our continued efforts to educate homeowners so they can make the best-informed decisions for their homes, we have compiled the pros and cons to help them choose the best insulation for their basement.

Basement Foam Board Insulation: Pros and Cons

Foam board insulation is a rigid panel of insulation that can be used to insulate any part of your home from top to bottom.

The material can be made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane.

Basement Foam Board Insulation Pros:

• Some rigid foam products are water-resistant that can help limit moisture buildup and mildew growth.
• If the foam board is installed properly, the rigid material can create an air barrier.
• Unlike traditional insulation, like fiberglass and cellulose, some foam board materials don’t need to be maintained or replaced over time.

Basement Foam Board Insulation Cons:

• If the joints between the sheets and boards is not taped properly the insulation will not prevent airflow.
• The air bubbles inside expanded polystyrene boards stop heat transfer but can accumulate moisture, which will make it ineffective.
• The foam boards must be cut exactly to fit the area where it will be installed. If the boards are not cut properly, then air leakage could occur.

Fiberglass Insulation in Basement: Pros and Cons

Fiberglass insulation is made from plastic that is reinforced with extremely fine glass fibers.

As a traditional insulation, fiberglass can be found in most older homes in the walls, attic, crawl space, and rim joist.

Basement Fiberglass Insulation Pros:

• Fiberglass is inexpensive when compared to other basement insulation options.
• If you plan to tackle refinishing the basement yourself right down to the insulation, fiberglass can be installed as a DIY project.

Basement Fiberglass Insulation Cons:

• Fiberglass in the basement is prone to mold issues as it holds condensation.
• Because fiberglass batts are air permeable, it doesn’t prevent warm, humid interior air from making contact with the woods studs in the basement. This can lead to condensation and moisture issues.
• If the fiberglass is disturbed, it can release particulates into the air, which can embed in the skin and can be inhaled.

Spray Foam Insulation Basement: Pros and Cons

Spray foam insulation is designed to fill all of the nooks and crannies wherever it is applied, including your basement.

Spray foam creates an air barrier that will seal up your basement to stop the outside air from getting in.

Basement Spray Foam Insulation Pros:

• Spray foam insulation doesn’t retain water, so it also doesn’t promote mold or mildew growth.
• Spray foam creates an air seal that will keep the outside air from getting inside, reducing drafts near your floorboards.
• Open cell spray foam has great sound dampening qualities to keep the noise from your basement rec room from disrupting the rest of your house.

Basement Spray Foam Insulation Cons:

• Spray foam insulation is a more expensive option when insulating the basement.
• If the material isn’t installed properly, air leakage is still possible, which will lead to comfort issues in the future.

Choosing the Best Insulation for Basement Walls and Ceiling

It’s important to create an air seal in your basement to help avoid moisture issues, as well as combating a cold and uncomfortable space.

If you are looking for a less expensive option that you can install yourself, then foam board or fiberglass will be the better options. If you want that air seal in your basement to make the space more comfortable, then spray foam is the way to go.

If you want to experience the benefits of spray foam insulation in your basement and live in Michigan’s lower peninsula, give us a call at 866-900-3626 or fill out the form on our website to schedule a free estimate.

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