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Insulating your basement floor is an essential part of creating a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Mike Holmes, the renowned Canadian contractor and TV host, has been helping homeowners ensure their basements are properly insulated for more than 30 years. Here, we’ll share some of his top tips for insulating your basement floor—allowing you to enjoy a warm, dry, and cost-effective living space.
Why Is Insulating Your Basement Floor Important?
Insulating your basement floor is key to creating a comfortable and energy-efficient living space. Without proper insulation, cold air can seep in through cracks in the floor and make your basement feel chilly. Additionally, if the floor isn’t insulated, moisture can accumulate and cause mold or mildew to form. Insulation also helps keep your energy costs down as it traps warm air and prevents it from escaping out of the house.
What Does Mike Holmes Recommend?
Mike Holmes recommends taking the following steps to properly insulate your basement floor:
1. Start by sealing any cracks and gaps in the floor using a concrete sealant or caulk. This will help prevent any cold air from entering in from outside.
2. Next, lay down a moisture barrier—such as 6 mil plastic sheeting—over the entire surface of the basement floor. This will prevent moisture from seeping into the insulation and causing mold or mildew to form in your home.
3. Now it’s time to add insulation to the floor. The most common type of insulation for basements is rigid foam boards, which are placed between the joists before being sealed with caulk or foam spray. Make sure that all seams between boards are tightly sealed to prevent any air leakage.
4. Finally, it’s time to lay down a vapor barrier over the insulation. This will help keep moisture out and protect your insulation from water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much insulation should I use for my basement floor?
A: The amount of insulation you need will depend on where you live and what type of climate you have. Generally speaking, Mike recommends using a minimum of R-10 insulation for basement floors in colder climates and R-12 for warmer climates.
Q: How do I know if my basement needs additional insulation?
A: If your basement feels cold or damp, it’s likely that you need additional insulation to keep it warm and dry. You can also hire an energy auditor who can assess your home’s energy efficiency and determine if additional insulation is needed in your basement.
Q: What type of moisture barrier should I use?
A: Mike recommends using 6 mil plastic sheeting as a moisture barrier for basements as it’s a durable material that prevents moisture from entering in through cracks or gaps in the floor.