Finished basement insulation is the way to go, especially for anyone who lives in a colder climate like Minnesota. There are many benefits to finishing your basement in the first place, like increased square footage and property value. Making sure your basement is insulated should be a vital part of the process of finishing your basement. A basement without proper insulation could lead to mold and mildew, which are both dangers to homeowners. Other moisture problems can occur if your basement isn’t insulated correctly or fully. In this post, we will explore all of the reasons it’s essential to insulate your finished basement, creating a space that’s as comfortable in the summer as it is in winter.
Why You Should Finish Your Basement
There are a multitude of reasons why finishing your basement is a great idea. From adding more living space to increasing your income, anyone can find an excellent reason to finish their basement. There are endless possibilities with the space once it’s finished. You could create an extra family room, a bar, workout room, playroom, bedroom, or even a home office. Of course, to use it and enjoy it, you’ll want to make sure it’s adequately insulated. Ever been in a basement that is so cold you can barely stand it? You’ll want to avoid this feeling by hiring the right professional to insulate your basement. Here are a few great reasons to finish your basement:
- Extra square footage to accommodate your household’s needs.
- Save on the energy costs of controlling the temperature in an unfinished basement.
- Increase your income with a rental property in the basement.
- Room for guests such as family and friends to stay over, avoiding the cost of a hotel.
- Improve your property value, and therefore your resale value.
What Does Insulating Mean?
Now that you’ve heard of all the great benefits of creating a finished basement, you’re probably wondering why insulation is so important. Insulation is used for thermal purposes. It refers to any building material that reduces heat transfer. So in a basement, this is especially important because they are usually located underground, which can be cold and wet. One of the biggest problems that occur in basements is moisture issues, leading to mold or mildew. Both can be very harmful to humans and best avoided. By having a contractor you trust install your finished basement insulation, you can prevent these issues.
Why You Should Insulate Your Finished Basement
Insulating your finished basement is the right way to go. The insulation will keep your basement warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Because the temperature varies vastly from the basement floor to the ceiling, thanks to its position partially underground, there is a huge risk of condensation forming in the basement walls. This condensation can build up within the insulation and the wood framing, even pool on the floor. Once this happens, your basement could become a breeding ground for mold spores. If this happens, there will be a huge expense to fix the problem. It’s best to insulate in the first place, so you don’t have to deal with any of these issues.
Benefits of Insulating Your Basement
Avoiding mold and mildew are the most significant benefits of finished basement insulation, but there are many others. Temperature control is a huge reason to insulate. If you’re spending the money to finish your basement, you’re going to want to enjoy it. This means ensuring the temperature is regulated so you can use it all year round. Much like an outdoor space used during all seasons, you’ll want a finished basement you can use no matter the temperature outside. Here are some of the best benefits to your finished basement insulation:
- Controls the temperature of your basement year-round.
- Saves on heating and cooling costs.
- It prevents moisture issues like mold and mildew from forming.
- Reduce heat loss through the basement’s foundation.
- Comfortable floor temperature and no drafts.
- Reduce interior temperature swings and potential for condensation on surfaces.
Air Sealing The Rim-Joist When Accessible
Air sealing your home is essential for optimal energy efficiency. The gaps between the foundation and rim-joist, if unsealed, can allow extreme amounts of unconditioned air to leak into your home. The result of air sealing can decrease energy costs and increase both air quality and comfort.
What Happens if You Choose Not to Insulate
If you choose not to insulate your finished basement, you will deal with problems down the line as a result, more often than not. Not only will the temperature of your basement fluctuate, but it will cost more to heat and cool your home. Moisture issues could occur without the regulating powers of insulation. Above all, your finished basement will not be a comfortable place to spend time without insulation. It will become too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.
Dreaming up Possibilities for a Finished Basement
Once you have a fully insulated finished basement, the possibilities are endless. Deciding what direction to go with in your finished basement will depend on your household’s needs. If you have family members that visit often, creating a bedroom and bathroom could be a great idea. Or, if you like to entertain, creating another family room with a bar would be a valuable option. Here are a few other ideas to help you dream big for your finished basement:
- Family room with a bar or kitchenette
- Playroom with toy storage
- Extra bedroom and bathroom
- Home office
- Gym or studio space
- Recreation room for playing sports
- Game room with a pool table
- Wine cellar
- In-home theater
Enjoying Your Fully Insulated Finished Basement
There are so many great benefits to finishing your basement. Increasing home equity, square footage, and property value are just a few great reasons to choose to create space in your basement. If you live in a colder climate, such as Minnesota, making sure your finished basement is insulated is an essential step in the process. Working with a great contractor will ensure that you get the best results for your house and particular project. Once you have your finished basement insulation, you and your family will be able to enjoy the space year-round. It will be especially beneficial to have the insulated area in the winter.