I’m about to put some 1 1/2″ pink foam up on my basement walls. Trouble is, I know I’ve got some water issues-the mortar joints aren’t in the best shape, there is some bleeding over the first coat of waterproofer I put on three years ago. I do have some work to do, better gutters, drainage, i’m thinking plastic sheeting 6 to 8 inches down, 4 feet out from foundation, where i can get at it. If all that doesn’t take care of the water issues 100%, am I in for a musty basement? Does anyone have any long term experience with this? should I strip the walls and leave an air passage? House is 1954, block walls, in St Paul, MN. Heating costs through the roof and I gotta do something soon.
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aoc,
The basement is going to produce your worst rate of return for the dollars spent. start at the top.. attic. how much insulation is up there, and what kind? what about the walls? windows? doors? What heat system are you using?
In my opinion you are asking for major troubles with your approach. you might seal everything up only to have to tear things apart to fix the walls properly this spring.
Just to keep things in perspective my heating bills are nearly twice as expensive this year over last year in spite of major sealing up of heat losses over last year (I live near you) Function of colder winter and higher costs..
I think Frenchy is right. If your basement is like mine it stays at 57 degrees near the slab. Doesn't take that much energy to warm up the difference between 57 and 68. The attic is the place to start, but before adding more insulation take time to air seal top plates in the attic, attic access doors, around chimneys, pipes, wires, etc. That is where most of your heating dollars are going. Once sealed add the insulation.
Are you talking about the inside or exterior?
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Foam is going inside. The temp of my basement in the winter is between 40 to 54. There is quite a bit of exposed foundation due to grade. I can't do much upstairs at this point. I don't any money, but do have a pile of foam in the basement. I would close cell foam everything i could if had the chance, including the basement walls. Not an option at this point.
Water issues not withstanding, the basement is not necessarily the worst bang for the buck...
In the midwest it is not common to have extremely poor insulation in the rest of the house. If the attic has insulation and the walls have insulation I would add insulation to the basement. 1 1/2" may be over kill but with the price of fuel these days I would go with too much rather than too little.
Masonry has about an R value of 1 per foot, wet masonry is slightly lower. The difference in adding R=10 in foam will be noticeable.
Pay particular attention to the Rim Joist and all penetrations, get a good seal. Used foam blocks between the joist where possible, gun foam the blocks in place. Dense pack cellulose in areas where the rim and the first floor joist form a cavity.
These steps can make an old house much more comfortable and less drafty.
I hope someone else can help with the drainage.
Garett