You've just finished renovating your basement; you picked stylish furniture, painted the walls, and installed cozy lighting. However, your basement feels cold and damp instead of warm and comfy. The reason? Poor insulation. Basement insulation is essential for creating a comfortable moisture-free interior space and preventing mold growth, energy loss, and humidity issues.

In this guide, we'll explore why basement insulation matters and how you can keep your Calgary basement dry and comfortable all year round.

Why Do You Need Basement Insulation in Calgary?

Calgary's cold winters and high humidity levels can cause major damage to your basement if it's not insulated. Here's why you should invest in basement insulation in Calgary:

  • Prevents moisture buildup by keeping your basement warm in winter.
  • Reduces the chance of mould growth, which can cause structural damage.
  • Lowers heating bills because it prevents heat loss as air leakage in basements contributes to heat loss in homes.
  • Protects your home's foundation and interior walls from cracks and damage.
  • Creates a comfortable space by keeping the air warm and preventing cold drafts.
  • Increases home value by making your basement more functional and safe.
  • Enhances insulation for older homes, which usually lack proper insulation.

What Are the Types of Basement Insulation in Calgary?

Rigid Foam Board Insulation

Rigid foam board insulation is one of the best options for basement insulation because it provides a high R-value, prevents moisture issues, and creates a strong thermal barrier against heat loss. The three different types of rigid foam panels are:

  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS): The most affordable option and provides moderate moisture resistance.
  • Extruded polystyrene (XPS): Offers better moisture resistance and is more durable and rigid, which makes it suitable for both interior and exterior insulation.
  • Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso, ISO): More commonly used in above-grade applications, such as exterior walls and roofing systems, because its performance drops in extreme weather conditions.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is an environmentally friendly option most suitable for unusually-shaped walls, crawl spaces, attics, pipes, and rim joists. It's made of a liquid that expands when applied and heated, forming an air barrier that seals gaps, holes, and hard-to-reach areas. Although spray foam is more expensive than other forms of insulation, it offers a strong air seal with durable performance that doesn't degrade over time.

There are two types of spray foam insulation:

  • Open-cell Spray Foam: More affordable than closed-cell spray foam but it doesn't provide waterproofing, making it unsuitable for moisture-prone spaces like basements.
  • Closed-cell Spray Foam: Highly resistant to water and adds structural strength to the walls. Its superior long-term water resistance and thermal performance make it one of the best options for moisture-prone areas.

Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is made up of sheets of tightly woven glass fibers, and they are installed with a layer of plastic sheeting on a basement’s outer walls or wherever a barrier is needed against moisture or vapor. These fiberglass batts are available in different widths and thicknesses, allowing them to be installed in different spaces. Although it's more affordable than other options, it's not naturally resistant to moisture and we don't recommend installing it without a separate vapour barrier.

Mineral Wool Insulation

Mineral wool insulation, also known as rockwool or stone wool insulation, is a popular and durable choice for basements in Calgary, thanks to its high resistance to fire and moisture. This option is a bit more expensive than fiberglass insulation, but it remains a cost-effective option because it provides excellent thermal performance, good soundproofing, and high durability.

Radiant Barrier Insulation

This type of insulation uses a thin sheet of aluminum foil or reflective material to reflect heat rather than absorbing it. This type of insulation can't be used as a standalone solution and doesn't really perform well in Calgary's weather conditions. It's better to use it as an additional insulation layer to enhance thermal resistance when layered with another form of insulation.

What Is the Best Interior Basement Insulation in Calgary?

The best basement insulation solutions in Calgary are closed-cell spray foam and rigid foam boards (XPS or EPS) because they provide high R-value, reliable thermal resistance, and ability to prevent mould growth due to dampness.

  • Closed-cell Spray Foam: Prevents condensation, creates an airtight seal, and adds structural strength to your walls.
  • Rigid Foam Insulation: Water resistant, provides high R-Value, more affordable than spray foam, but needs sealing to prevent air leakage.

Contact our experts in Basement Builders and we'll help you choose the ideal insulation solution for your basement.

How to Insulate Basement Walls in Calgary?

  1. Assess moisture levels and repair any foundation issues before starting the installation process.
  2. Ensure your basement is properly ventilated to prevent future humidity accumulation.
  3. Choose the right insulation solution for your basement. Each type of material has its benefits and downsides; consult an expert to know what's best for your space.
  4. Install insulation against your basement walls. Each type of insulation solution requires a specific installation method; contact Basement Builders today to ensure proper installation and maximum efficiency.
  5. Install a vapour barrier if needed and ensure all gaps are sealed.
  6. Make sure you comply with local building codes and finish with framing and drywall.

Choosing the right insulation and applying best practices in installation are essential to get the maximum energy efficiency, moisture control, and long-term durability from your basement insulation.

Contact Basement Builders today for high-quality insulation solutions and basement renovation in Calgary.

What Are the Requirements for Basement Insulation in Calgary?

Due to Calgary's cold weather, basement insulation must meet specific requirements to ensure energy efficiency and compliance with building codes:

  • Walls must have a minimum R-value of R-12.
  • A separate vapour barrier is needed if you're using fiberglass or mineral wool.
  • All gaps, seams, and cracks must be sealed. Spray foam insulation provides the best sealing properties. Meanwhile, rigid foam board must be taped at the seams for proper sealing.
  • Basement insulation must meet Alberta Building Code standards regarding fire safety, moisture control, and energy efficiency.
  • If you're renovating your basement to be a legal secondary suite, you'll need additional insulation and soundproofing.
  • Ensure proper ventilation and air circulation to prevent humidity retention.

What Are the Pros and Cons for Basement Ceiling Insulation?

Basement ceiling insulation can have a lot of advantages, including better soundproofing and improved energy efficiency, but it also has several cons, especially for heated basements. Before insulating your basement ceiling, you should consider the following pros and cons:

Bros for Basement Ceiling Insulation:

  • Keeps upper floors warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
  • Provides a decent soundproofing.
  • Prevents heat loss and provides moisture control.

Cons for Basement Ceiling Insulation:

  • Blocks heat from reaching the basement, leading to colder temperatures.
  • More expensive than insulating your basement walls.
  • Limits access to HVAC and plumbing, which makes maintenance difficult.

In short, if your basement is unheated and you won't need frequent access for maintenance, ceiling insulation can be a good option for you. However, if your basement is finished, heated, and you need better moisture control, then you should opt for insulating your walls.

How to Frame a Basement Wall Against Concrete in Calgary?

The key steps to framing your basement wall against concrete are:

  1. Check local building codes for framing and insulation requirements.
  2. Repair cracks and apply a vapour barrier if needed. If you're using spray foam, you won't need either of these.
  3. Using chalk, mark where the frame will go.
  4. Install top and bottom plates and secure them with concrete screws.
  5. Install 2x4 studs every 16 inches, ensuring they are plumb.
  6. Add your insulating material, weather spray foam, foam board, or mineral wool.
  7. Install wiring and plumbing.
  8. Finish with a moisture-resistant drywall and now you're all set.

Don't forget to keep a small gap between the frame and the concrete for airflow. Reach out today for expert basement framing and insulation solutions.

Renovate Your Basement in Alberta

Wherever you're in Alberta, we will bring your basement vision to life. Explore our professional services now:

FAQs

Several questions that people ask about basement insulation

Does a basement ceiling need to be insulated?

You can insulate your basement ceiling if it's unheated and it doesn't require frequent access to wiring and plumbing systems. Ceiling insulation provides soundproofing and keeps the upper floors warm in winter and cool in summer. However, if your basement is heated and you tend to use it as a living space or a home office, then you shouldn't insulate your ceiling because it makes it colder and limits access to HVAC and plumbing.

Does basement insulation need a vapor barrier in Calgary?

Some basement insulation methods require a separate vapour barrier to prevent moisture buildup and protect from mould and mildew. If you're using fiberglass insulation or mineral wool, then you need to install a vapor barrier. However, it's generally not needed if you're using closed-cell spray foam or Rigid foam insulation (XPS/EPS).

What are the best insulation options for a basement?

The best insulation options for a basement in Calgary are:

  • Closed-Cell Spray Foam: Provides the highest R-value, strong air seal, and superior moisture-resistance.
  • Rigid foam (XPS/EPS): Provides long-term durability and mold-resistance.

There are other types of basement insulation such as mineral wool and fiberglass but they need a separate vapour barrier and proper sealing. These types aren't as effective as closed-cell spray foam and rigid foam, especially in Calgary's cold temperatures.

Keep reading