Improve Energy Efficiency and Moisture Performance of Foundations United States .
Build Value and Performance into Your Home Homes have one thing in common: Their foundations must come in contact with the earth. So wherever you build, moderating the effects of soil, water, temperature and air on the foundation can impact the performance and integrity of the total structure. Continuous foam insulation – from footing to sill plate – is an effective way to reduce foundation energy loss and protect against moisture problems.
Reduce Energy Loss Concrete is a highly heat-conductive material. In an uninsulated or poorly insulated basement, heat escapes through two paths: • Horizontally through the wall into the earth below grade • Vertically through the concrete wall and into the air above the grade line Sealing the gap between the foundation wall and the sill plate with STYROFOAM™ Brand Sill Seal Foam Gasket reduces air infiltration and moisture wicking from the concrete foundation into the wood sill plate.
Manage Moisture Foundation walls exist in a typically wet environment caused by rain, melting snow or the water table. The concrete and cement block commonly used to build most foundation walls absorbs water from the soil and allows it to move through the wall. Much of this movement is due to capillary action: Water moves from an area of high concentration to low concentration, often against gravity. Water can also pass directly through cracks in the basement wall.
Stand Up Under Pressure A typical basement wall is bombarded with pressure from nonmoving water, and this hydrostatic pressure increases at greater depths. Without proper drainage, water can pool at the lowest point on the wall. Pressure builds up, and the water seeks a path right through cracks in the foundation.
The practice of adding vents to crawl space walls is meant to help dry out the crawl space area. However, vents actually allow moisture to enter the crawl space, and do little to help it dry out. Moisture that enters through these vents clings to floor joists, batt insulation, HVAC equipment and plumbing fixtures. In this moist environment, mold and mildew can quickly degrade the space’s contents, as well as compromise indoor air quality.
Slab-on-Grade In a slab-on-grade radiant floor heating design, concrete disperses hot water heat from radiant heat tubes. Without adequate insulation, this heat can be lost as it moves toward the edges of the slab or downward to the soil. Rigid foam insulation at floor edges and under the slab helps keep heat in the house, maintaining a comfortable floor temperature while saving energy. Building codes require that a foundation extend below the local frost line.
Achieve a Tight Seal FROTH-PAK™ Foam Insulation is a two-component, quickcure polyurethane foam that fills cavities, such as rim or band joists, for insulation and air sealing. The Class-A rating (flame spread of 25 or less) allows its use in residential wall and crawl space applications. Designed to fill gaps up to 3", GREAT STUFF PRO™ Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant forms a permanent, airtight and water-resistant bond when applied properly.
