Keeping Out the Cold

Posted January 16, 2009 10:26 by Robert

Tags: foundation, rigid insulation

The snow and the weather are setting us back about a week because the ground is too frozen to backfill; we are having quite a cold wave here in Boston. The framing should start next week though and that’s when things will get interesting. One thing to note in the latest pictures is that our plan calls for R-10 rigid foam insulation on top of the waterproofing all the way up the side of the foundation. This was something the insulation company had never done before. (Note: If you build a green house, you will often hear vendors say “we have never seen/done this before” and it’s something you will just get used to.  

With most homes that use rigid exterior foam, you stop right at the grade point. But when you think about it, the temperature 4ft or below in the ground is pretty constant all year round (this is why geothermal works). Therefore, the part that really needs the insulation is near and above the grade where the concrete is exposed to the wind and temperature changes. It’s a small detail that has a big impact. The only thing you have to deal with is covering up the foam from an aesthetical standpoint and there are some interesting options that we will explore as we get to the finish trim.

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