Having a basement is a great way to add living space to your home, but it can also be a nightmare if not properly maintained. Without proper insulation, your basement can become a warm, wet, moldy mess, and that’s a situation you don’t want to be in.
A well-insulated basement can keep the temperature of your home more consistent, which can save you a lot of money on heating and cooling costs. In addition, it can prevent your basement pipes from freezing and bursting during the winter, which can cause serious damage to your home’s structure.
Insulation is an important way to reduce your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort, so it makes sense to do it now before you have to do it again later. There are a variety of insulation products on the market, so you’ll need to choose the right one for your situation.
Rigid foam board is often considered the best option for basement insulation. It offers many benefits, including moisture resistance and durability, as well as ease of installation.
Spray foam is another popular choice for insulating your basement, and it can be used in conjunction with a number of other materials, including furring strips and drywall. It’s also an excellent air barrier and vapor barrier, which means it’s the perfect choice for your basement walls.
The type of insulation you use in your basement will depend on a number of factors, including where you live and the moisture content in your walls. However, regardless of the choice you make, the most important step is finding a reliable and experienced insulation installer to ensure your job is done properly and safely.
Before insulating your basement, it’s important to check your foundation and ensure that there are no major leaks or problems with a sump pump or sewer backup. These problems can cause a lot of trouble down the road, so it’s worth checking them out before you start your basement insulation project.
If you do find major leaks, you can solve them by excavating the basement to correct the issue, damp-proofing the foundation, ensuring there are no clogs in the gutters, and installing a drainage system. If you find minor leaks, you may be able to fix them by repairing your foundation or adding insulation from the exterior.
Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year, especially in areas with heavy rain and leaves that can accumulate in the fall and spring. Fortunately, there are gutter-cleaning services such as Gutter Cleaning Erie PA that give homeowners safety and easily without teetering on a ladder.
Cleaning your gutters will prevent clogs and overflows that can lead to flooding, mold, and other issues. The best time to clean your gutters is during the fall or late spring when leaves and debris are at their peak. If you do have to climb a ladder to clean your gutters, practice safe ladder techniques by tethering your body between the side rails and working on level ground.
