Now that my question concerning perimeter drainage pipe was so succesfully answered, I’m inspired to ask another.
Why is insulation around the outside of a concrete foundation needed? I have a 12″ poured foundation (don’t ask) in place for my barn/workshop, with full basement space, and am considering foam panels around the perimeter. I guess I’m not sure why the earth surrounding the walls would not provide sufficient insulation. And what would I be insulating against? Isn’t subsurface ground temp. around 45 degrees? By the way, I live in northern Vermont, if that means much.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Replies
And your frost depth is?
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
This webite might be helpful http://www.buildingscience.com/default.htm ....... there's a wealth of info there.
the short answer is you insulate against heat loss..
the long answer is comming up with the best strategy to do that..
some like to insulate the exterior and make the concrete mass part of the heated envelope..
me.. if i have utilities in the basement ( or the crawlspace ) i like to insulate the interior of the basement right up thru the sill cavity ..
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore