In a typical home, half or more of the energy loss is through the exterior walls, floor and roof. Proper insulation, as well as sealing air leaks in your home's shell, is vital to reducing these energy losses. You can save up to 20% on your energy bill by applying insulation to your slab foundation.
R-value measures the resistance of a material to heat flow; higher R-values provide more insulation. Apply R-5 rigid foam insulation to the exterior edge of your slab foundation. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to apply insulation with an R-value of R-6 to R-10.
You can also hire a contractor to insulate your slab foundation. When comparing contractors' bids, make sure they are for the same insulating value (R-value) to the same foundation depth.
1.) If you're planning to insulate the edge of your foundation yourself, you should first evaluate the walls of your outside foundation for dampness. Then measure the square footage, height and width of your foundation walls.
2.) Go to a hardware store and ask a sales assistant for advice on which insulation is appropriate for your slab foundation in your geographic location. Buy enough insulation to create a two-foot depth on your slab foundation.
3.) Follow the installation instructions that came with your insulation, which vary according to the type of insulation you selected. Make sure you use the correct adhesive specified by the insulation manufacturer.
Address drainage problems. As part of the insulation project, be sure to address any exterior drainage problems.
Fill openings with caulk. If you see any openings around windows or pipes, fill them with caulk prior to installing the insulation.
About termites. Termites can make their way through exterior slab insulation to the wood frame of your home. Help protect against termite infestation by using rigid fiberglass materials and termite-resistant insulation. Make sure moisture is controlled around the insulation.
About insulation with foil or paper facing. If your insulation has a foil or paper facing, be sure to cover it with finished wallboard or drywall to prevent fire hazards.