IS THE FOUNDATION INSULATED? |
All above-grade portions of foundation walls in Vermont homes should be insulated, whether or not a basement is intended to be part of the living space. An insulated basement stays warmer, making the living space floors above it warmer. If the foundation is in good condition and is well drained, the inside of the basement or crawl space walls should be entirely insulated from top to bottom. In some houses, it may not be practical to insulate the foundation walls except during initial construction. In some of these cases, the ceiling of the basement or crawl space should be insulated. Check for exterior foundation insulation by rapping with your knuckles and listening for a hollow (not a solid cement) sound. If you cannot see or feel insulation at the foundation, ask the previous owners or the builder if it's insulated or possibly if the insulation is integrated into the wall. In homes with slabongrade foundations, exterior slab edges should be insulated from the top edge to least two feet below grade. For information about the type of insulation to use at the foundation, visit our insulation pages. For information about "Do It Yourself" basement insulation and air sealing, visit our insulation and air sealing pages. |
WHAT ABOUT RADON? Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter some homes through foundations. It has been implicated in health problems. You can determine whether radon is a problem in your home by testing your indoor air for at least three months. The Vermont Department of Health offers free radon test kits to Vermont residents. Depending on the severity of the problem, radon mitigation can be as simple as sealing all potential below-grade penetration points, including drains and cracks in walls and floors. Managing higher concentrations of radon can be more complicated, however, requiring the installation of a radon evacuation system. Seek the counsel of a radon-mitigation professional if you have any concerns about excessive levels of radon. |
