How do I insulate cement basement walls??
by
Susan Martin
Every winter (here in Vermont) we hear our cement basement walls crack. We place haybales outside against the walls and this does not work and leaves a messy clean up in the Spring. Please help!
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Oh my! That sounds ominous. I would have a consult with a structural engineer to make sure the structure itself is not compromised. Depending upon their evaluation, I would do whatever they suggest. Here is how to find and hire someone.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor
As long as you are structurally sound (cracks?). You want to have some sort of heat supply to the area if it gets that cold there. We had a gas wall heater installed in our basement without the walls being finished and that worked great, I'm in NJ. You could try the plug in ones but if you are running it consistently it's a fire hazard and your electric would sky rocket. Or cut a vent from your duct for the basement. As long as your heating system can handle it. Also putting a plastic barrier sheeting against the concrete walls then insulating and drywall (studs of course). Would help tremendously.
Hi Susan,
There is a paragraph near the end of this link on "Can frost issues be prevented" that offered a good suggestion.
You do have some really cold winters in VT, we have a dear friend that lives up there and he tells us about his experiences with the sub zero temperatures. It is hard to imagine a place that cold.
https://polliconstruction.com/blog/how-to-prevent-frost-heave-damage-in-vermont/