Rigid foam board against concrete, a poly vapour barrier, and a framed wall assembly for dry, code-aligned basements. Free on-site quotes, or call (343) 459-3623.
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The Basement Insulation Assembly We Install
A basement wall assembly has three parts working together, not one product doing the job alone.
Rigid Foam Board
Installed directly against the concrete foundation wall.
6-Mil Poly Vapour Barrier
Placed on the warm side of the assembly to control moisture movement.
Framed Stud Wall
A wall built out from the foundation, insulated with batts between the studs.
Why Basements Need a Vapour Barrier
Basement air holds more humidity than the rest of the house for most of the year, and concrete foundation walls stay cold well into the warmer months. When humid air reaches that cold surface, it condenses, and a wall assembly without a properly placed vapour barrier traps that moisture against the framing and insulation instead of letting it dissipate. Over time that trapped moisture can lead to mold growth and damage to the framing. Getting the vapour barrier on the correct side of the assembly, and sealed properly, is what prevents that.
Our Process
How We Insulate a Basement
1
Foundation wall assessment
We check for existing moisture issues, cracks, or efflorescence before insulating over a problem.
2
Rigid foam installation
Foam board is fitted and sealed against the concrete foundation wall.
3
Framing
A stud wall is built out from the foundation to hold batt insulation and finished wall surfaces.
4
Vapour barrier placement
Poly vapour barrier is installed and sealed on the correct side of the assembly.
Basement Insulation Pricing in Ottawa
There is no fixed per-square-foot rate for basement insulation, since the assembly involves several materials and labour steps that vary with foundation condition and finished wall length. We confirm exact pricing with a free on-site or phone assessment.
Ottawa Insulation Experts provides professional basement insulation throughout Ottawa, Ontario. This service is for homeowners finishing an unfinished basement or upgrading an older basement that was insulated incorrectly or not at all. Below-grade walls face a different set of conditions than above-grade walls, cold concrete, ground moisture, and less airflow, which is why a basement assembly needs rigid foam board, a correctly placed poly vapour barrier, and a framed stud wall working together rather than a single layer of batts alone.
Basement Insulation FAQs
Why can't I just insulate my basement with batts alone?
Batts against bare concrete without rigid foam and a properly placed vapour barrier leave the assembly exposed to moisture from the cold foundation wall, which is what leads to condensation and mold risk over time.
What R-value should a basement wall reach?
Ontario's building code sets a minimum R-20 target for basement walls in Climate Zone 6, which covers the Ottawa area. We build the rigid foam, framing, and batt assembly to reach that target.
Can you insulate a basement that already shows signs of moisture?
We assess the foundation wall first. Active water infiltration needs to be addressed before insulating, since insulating over an unresolved moisture problem traps it against the framing.
Does rigid foam alone meet code, or do I still need a framed wall?
Rigid foam adds thermal resistance and a moisture break, but a framed wall with batt insulation is typically needed to reach the full R-20 target and to finish the space.
How long does a basement insulation job take?
A typical basement takes several days depending on total wall length, whether framing is needed, and existing conditions, which we scope during the on-site quote.
Ready to Insulate Your Basement?
Free on-site quotes for basement insulation across Ottawa.
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