Hey everyone! I recently bought a 1970s home and I'm tackling some insulation work for the first time. The basement has an above-grade section in the back, and I've noticed that I can actually see straight through to the brick exterior at the rim joists. My main goal is to come up with a low-cost and low-effort solution. I'm thinking about using rigid foam board cut to size and sealing the edges with spray foam. I have two key concerns:
1. Critters: I'm worried that animals might be finding their way in through the brick. Will my plan be enough to address this specific issue with the rim joists? I know there might be other areas of concern as well.
2. Insulation: The perimeter is made of block, which I understand has a low R-value. Should I be concerned about the R-value of the insulation at the rim joists if the entire exterior is block? From what I've read, it seems like I would need to insulate all the walls continuously to make a real difference.
Thanks for any advice!
2 Answers
I’m currently in a similar situation! I’m using Roxul with foil backing for my insulation. The foil goes on the interior side, which has helped me keep my basement warmer. Just keep in mind that if the exterior walls are block, insulating just the rim joists likely won't do much on its own. Continuous insulation is key for real R-value improvement!
That sounds like a solid plan! If you're seeing right through to the brick, it definitely could be a gateway for pests, so sealing those gaps is crucial. The foam board with spray foam around the edges should help a lot. Just make sure to double-check for any holes or cracks around the brick itself too. Critters can be sneaky!
Agreed! Just ensure your foam board is fitted snugly and that the spray foam fills all gaps. It’ll help prevent any cold air and pests from getting in.