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Kamala55
Aug 21, 2008, 11:58 AM
Are there any alternatives to insulating a basement with cement walls besides insulating all the walls with 3 inch fiberglass?

ballengerb1
Aug 21, 2008, 03:48 PM
There are spray foam, rigid foam and fiberglass batts. Other than these insulations what are you looking for?

Kamala55
Aug 21, 2008, 03:56 PM
I was wondering if insulating cement basement walls is a must thing to do or high on the priority list in terms of insulation. If not what are some smaller/less expensive things I could do.

I have cement walls all around my basement with three windows.

Thanks.

ballengerb1
Aug 21, 2008, 07:15 PM
It really depends on your climate. I live in Illinois where we can get below zero so , yes, insulation is important. You should glue a visqueen plastic vapor barrier to the concrete before anything. Where do you live?

hkstroud
Aug 21, 2008, 09:22 PM
In my area of more reasonable climate we are require to insulate only the above ground area, although most people insulate the entire wall once they finish off a basement.

Kamala55
Aug 22, 2008, 05:40 AM
Massachusetts

ballengerb1
Aug 22, 2008, 02:09 PM
Your climate is colder than mine for sure. I would definitely insulate the basement wall. I'd also have a HVAC pro access my furnace to see if additional supply and return ducts can be installed, return is the more important of the two.