Foundation Insulation
WARM Foundation Insulation
Foundation Insulation reduces heat losses and extends the building life by protecting the basic structure against external effects.
- Product Detail
The foundation wall represents the wall and floor areas of the building that contacts with soil. The basic principle in foundation wall insulation is that thermal insulation frames the structure externally. The external insulation of foundation walls reduces heat losses and extends the building life by protecting the basic structure against external effects with a good water insulation.
Product Details and Application Areas
- Concrete Shear Insulation
The advantage of external insulation on foundation wall is that it covers the building without forming a thermal bridge and protects the water insulation membrane from mechanical damage. It is beneficial that external insulation is made on not heated volumes with soil contact. If there is a need for a change in the future, it is significant because it doesn’t require insulation work again to use energy efficiently together with comfort conditions.
- Thermal Insulation Under Slab Concrete
In order to prevent heat losses that may occur from the floor for energy saving, comfort and protection of the building, a continuous and reliable thermal insulation should be made. Without being dependent on the condition of a current building or any structure whose construction is ongoing, WARM THERM XPS can be located on or under the floor concrete. However, the floor structures where insulation is used under floor concrete are exposed to some loads. For instance, service loads (forklift, truck..etc.), static and dynamic loads and loads during the construction phase of a building. Insulation panels used in foundation walls and floors should resist these loads and these aspects of WARM THERM XPS panels are at maximum.
WARM THERM XPS Insulation Panels can be used under the floor coverings for the below listed application areas:
- Floor concrete between continuous footings,
- Load bearing Concrete Foundation (i.e. Slab foundation),
- Floor coverings for Industrial purposes; such as the weight of high shelves, forklift and truck traffic,
- Air vehicle hangars,
What is foundation insulation and why is it important?
Foundation insulation refers to the installation of insulation materials around the exterior or interior of a building’s foundation walls. It is important for several reasons:
Energy efficiency: Foundation insulation helps reduce heat loss or gain through the foundation, preventing energy wastage and improving the overall energy efficiency of the building. It creates a thermal barrier, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Moisture control: Insulating the foundation helps prevent moisture intrusion from the surrounding soil. It acts as a moisture barrier, reducing the risk of dampness, condensation, and mold growth within the foundation walls, which can lead to structural damage and health issues.
Thermal comfort: By insulating the foundation, temperature fluctuations and drafts near the floor are minimized, leading to improved thermal comfort inside the building. It helps maintain more consistent indoor temperatures and prevents cold spots near the ground.
Condensation prevention: Insulation on foundation walls can help prevent condensation from forming on the interior surfaces. By maintaining higher interior surface temperatures, it reduces the likelihood of moisture condensing and potentially causing damage to the foundation or interior finishes.
Long-term durability: Foundation insulation can help protect the foundation walls from extreme temperature variations, which can lead to cracking, shifting, or other forms of deterioration. Insulation helps maintain more stable temperatures, reducing stress on the foundation over time.
What are the benefits of insulating a foundation?
Insulating a foundation offers several benefits that contribute to the overall performance and comfort of a building. Here are some key advantages of foundation insulation:
Energy efficiency: Foundation insulation helps reduce heat loss or gain through the foundation walls, improving the overall energy efficiency of the building. It creates a thermal barrier, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling, and ultimately lowering energy consumption and utility costs.
Moisture control: Insulation acts as a barrier against moisture intrusion from the surrounding soil. It helps prevent water vapor from permeating through the foundation walls, reducing the risk of dampness, condensation, and mold growth. This helps protect the structural integrity of the foundation and enhances indoor air quality.
Thermal comfort: Insulating the foundation helps maintain more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the building. By minimizing temperature fluctuations and drafts near the floor, it enhances thermal comfort, creating a more enjoyable living or working environment.
Condensation prevention: Properly insulated foundation walls raise the interior surface temperature, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming on them. By mitigating condensation, foundation insulation helps prevent moisture-related issues such as mold growth, wood rot, and corrosion of building materials.
Durability and longevity: Insulation can protect the foundation walls from extreme temperature variations that could lead to cracking, shifting, or other forms of structural damage. By maintaining more stable temperatures, foundation insulation reduces stress on the foundation and contributes to its long-term durability.
Noise reduction: Insulating the foundation walls can also provide some degree of sound insulation. It helps dampen external noise, such as traffic or outdoor activities, improving the overall acoustic comfort inside the building.
Can foundation insulation help with energy efficiency in a building?
Yes, foundation insulation plays a significant role in improving the energy efficiency of a building. Here’s how foundation insulation helps with energy efficiency:
Reduced heat loss: Insulating the foundation walls creates a thermal barrier that helps minimize heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building. It prevents the loss of conditioned air through the foundation, reducing the need for excessive heating during colder months.
Enhanced thermal performance: Foundation insulation helps maintain more stable indoor temperatures, reducing temperature fluctuations near the floor and improving overall thermal comfort. This means less reliance on heating and cooling systems to achieve desired indoor temperatures, resulting in energy savings.
Minimized thermal bridging: Uninsulated foundation walls can act as thermal bridges, allowing heat to transfer more easily through the building envelope. By insulating the foundation, thermal bridging is reduced, leading to better insulation continuity and increased overall energy efficiency.
Controlled air infiltration: Insulation in the foundation can also help reduce air infiltration or drafts, preventing the exchange of outdoor and indoor air. This enhances the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, as conditioned air is less likely to escape, resulting in lower energy consumption.
Reduced cooling loads: In regions with hot climates, foundation insulation can help keep the building cooler by reducing heat gain from the ground. This means less reliance on air conditioning, leading to energy savings and improved cooling efficiency.