Basement Wall Insulation

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Underground spaces with a soil-facing wall require basement wall insulation to protect the room from heat loss and moisture build-up.

ROCKWOOL solutions can be applied to these kinds of walls in domestic housing – and are ideal for underground flats, cellars and conversions below street level.

Discover our range of stone wool batts and rolls – as well as our system solutions. Our products and solutions are adaptable, robust and can help transform an unwelcoming basement into a comfortable living space.

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Why do we need basement wall insulation?

More and more homeowners are choosing to renovate their basements and cellars. Indeed, statistics suggest this can add nearly seven percent to the overall value of a property¹.

However, these areas need insulation to improve temperature regulation and tackle damp and mould.

This is particularly important for soil-facing walls, which block natural ventilation through the wall itself, causing moisture to build up if not properly insulated.

While dry lining solutions are useful for protecting against cold intrusion from air-facing walls – basement wall insulation is perfect for soil-facing walls.

Benefits include:

Water repellent properties – preventing water seeping in.
Temperature regulation – acting as a buffer against heat loss.
Breathability – helping air flow through, without losing excess heat.

Relevant resources

Calculator and savings

To determine how much insulation you’ll need, you must first measure the wall you’re insulating.

If you’re installing in-between wall studs, you need to choose a product that has a specific width. This will allow it to fit snugly, with no gaps. Factor this into your calculations.

Once it has been installed, occupants can enjoy greater energy savings, as less heat is escaping through wall spaces.

The basement should also be properly ventilated. That way you prevent it being a damp, musty space and you can use it as a living area, adding additional value to a home – as well as the potential to rent it out to tenants as an extra income source.

Learn about energy efficiency

REDDry System installation step by step 03

Why choose ROCKWOOL solutions?

An incredible 28 percent of people living in cold homes are at risk of developing multiple health problems – caused by lack of warmth².

Incorrectly insulated basement accommodation can be a significant contributor to this – while correct installation can improve warmth and comfort in the cellar space, and rooms above.

ROCKWOOL basement wall insulation substantially increases comfort and liveability, thanks to the 7 Strengths of Stone³.

Advantages for basements and cellars include:

Fire protection – more basement flats are being created, presenting new fire risks. ROCKWOOL insulation can withstand temperatures above 1000°C⁴.
Temperature maintenance – heat loss through walls is reduced, levelling temperatures and creating a comfortable environment⁵.
Robust – ROCKWOOL insulation leaves no gaps in-between layers and doesn’t sag over time, ensuring lifetime performance⁶.
Flexible – our insulation is simple to install in-between wall studs and is adaptable to different below ground wall surfaces⁷.
Water repellent – stone wool absorbs or repels water when needed. Our below ground solutions can prevent water ingress while also ensuring the wall is breathable, preventing damp⁸.

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Insulating basement walls brings direct energy savings. With proper ventilation, ROCKWOOL solutions can even create additional living space – such as a game room for kids.

Roger Peeters

ROCKWOOL Group Product Manager

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ROCKWOOL products are designed for easy installation in-between wall studs, or as a system solution with insulation and finish in one.

Key tips:

When installing a vapour barrier, make sure all joints overlap and are taped tight, and punctures are repaired. This ensures proper performance over time.
If you need to cut down insulation to fit in-between studs, leave additional width when cutting to ensure it fits tightly against the wall.
When applying insulation with a pre-fixed finish against the wall, use a regular glue that offers long-lasting adhesion.

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Get 16 renovation cases

This case study bundle includes:

29 pages of our best 2018-19 projects
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Sustainability and energy efficiency

ROCKWOOL products are circular in a way that’s kind to the environment.

We create them using one of the world’s most abundant natural resources: stone⁹. Our resulting stone wool is also fully recyclable.

This means our solutions can be re-used again and again – without degrading in quality¹⁰.

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Temperature regulation properties of stone wool also help contribute to the lowering of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions – of which 36 percent are caused by heating buildings.

By reducing how much heat is lost in homes, our products help to combat excess energy use.

8 facts about the circularity of stone wool

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FAQs

What type of insulation is best for basement walls?

Do you need a vapour barrier in basement walls?

Should you insulate basement walls on the inside?

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_{[1] https://www.hiscox.co.uk/sites/uk/files/documents/2018-03/Hiscox_renovations_extensions_report_2018.pdf}

_{[2] National Centre for Social Research, “The Dynamics of Bad Housing…” Source link}

_{[3] https://www.rockwool.com/group/advice-and-inspiration/why-stone-wool/}

_{[4] https://www.rockwool.com/group/advice-and-inspiration/why-stone-wool/fire-resilience/}

_{[5] https://www.rockwool.com/group/advice-and-inspiration/why-stone-wool/thermal-properties/}

_{[6] https://www.rockwool.com/group/advice-and-inspiration/why-stone-wool/thermal-properties/}

_{[7] https://www.rockwool.com/group/advice-and-inspiration/why-stone-wool/aesthetics/}

_{[8] https://www.rockwool.com/group/advice-and-inspiration/why-stone-wool/water-properties/}

_{[9] TW Dahl, et al. (2011), International Geology Review (Volume 53 Numbers 7–8, June–July 2011) ‘The human impact on natural rock reserves using basalt, anorthosite, and carbonates as raw materials in insulation products’, p. 901. Source link}

_{[10] ROCKWOOL Group, Sustainability Report 2019, p. 17}

Basement Wall Insulation

Table of contents

Why do we need basement wall insulation?

Relevant resources

ROCKWOOL product capabilities

7 facts about durability and stone wool

Rockzero: build the 7 strengths of stone into every home

10 considerations for building a new home

Calculator and savings

Why choose ROCKWOOL solutions?

Other wall applications

Installation

Get 16 renovation cases

This case study bundle includes:

Sustainability and energy efficiency

Downloads

Financial support

FAQs

Other relevant applications