Benefits of Basement Insulation
Many older homes in Toronto have un-insulated basements and this can lead to any number of problems, from moisture damage, leakage, and heat or coolant loss. Energy bills can be hundreds of dollars higher with un-insulated basements.

Some of the key benefits of basement insulation are as follows:

1. Save Energy & Cost – Heat loss from a basement can account for a significant portion of energy loss from your home, especially in Toronto. This may be up to as much as 25%. In order to combat this heat loss, it is recommended that you install basement insulation. Your energy costs will be reduced and your home will benefit in many other ways also. There are three common ways to insulate your basement walls: insulating exterior walls, insulating interior walls and insulating within a wall. Basement insulation will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, resulting reduce in energy consumption and cost, allowing you to save money.
2. Lower Moisture Content – Many older homes have un-insulated basements and this can lead to any number of problems, from moisture damage, leakage, condensation, and weeping walls. Such problems will ultimately lead to the growth of fungi, mold, and mildew in the basement walls over time, which ultimately destabilized your structure badly. Remember that insulation is your best defense against conductive heat loss, but it can also be your best protection against moisture and possible mold problems. Best of all if you ever decide to sell your home it will increase the value of your home because of its protection.
3. Prevent Water pipe Freezing – The cold climate of Toronto freezes water pipes, especially those located in the basement. With basement insulation, you can prevent this issue, which ultimately saves your cost in necessary water pipe repairing costs.
4. Protecting Foundation Water – Houses with basement insulation protect the foundation and prevent accumulation of water from the outside, which late-on freezes and thaw cycles in colder regions, such as Toronto. Basement insulation acts as a buffer between outside water and structure, making it perfect to protect your structure.

Types of Basement Insulation

There are many types of insulation from which to choose:

1. Fiberglass Insulation – Fiberglass insulation is sold in rolls or batts. It is one of the older forms of insulation. This cloth is generally more affordable, and easier to install. Fiberglass is made up of billions of strands of glass woven together. This allows for a greater surface coverage area at lighter weight. It is non-combustible and non-absorbent, making it a perfect option for many types of basement insulation.
2. Spray Foam Insulation – Spray foam is probably the most effective and certainly one of the most popular techniques for basement insulation. Spray foam is an expanding foam insulation that is sprayed onto the surfaces of your home that you intended to have insulated. It instantly expands and dries into a hard air and watertight seal. Its application can be used on the interior or exterior of your building making it a very versatile choice.
3. Foam Board Insulation – Foam board comes in sheets much like drywall. It is available in several thicknesses and R-value ratings as well. Common uses for foam board insulation are basement walls and on top of concrete basement floors between other types of flooring. Foam boards can be fitted between wall joists in your basement and will offer an excellent airtight barrier. This material can be used on the exterior of your home as well.
4. Blowin-in Insulation – Blown-in basement insulation is made of either fiberglass or cellulose. It comes packaged in large blocks that are broken down in the insulation blower.