What Is a Basement Header?

Description

• The header is located along the exterior wall, where the foundation joins with the floor joists, and also appears in crawlspaces and cellars. In many headers, a space is formed by interior walls that don't quite reach the floor of the house above. Joists partially fill this space, but much of it is open on the basement side. Only the foundation walls lay between the basement and the outside world.

Energy Loss

• Because a basement header is located right under the living space, and often provides only a small barrier between the ground and the basement, it can cause significant energy loss. Heat passes through an uninsulated floor and into the basement. If your basement walls and header are also uninsulated, very little will keep the heat from passing into the ground, which absorbs it readily. You'll spend more money and energy keeping your home warm in the winter without basement insulation.

Insulating a Header

• Adding insulation to a header is relatively simple, but does require a bit of extra care. Check the basement walls for any signs of dampness, and install a vapor barrier in the header and on the walls if your basement has moisture problems. You can use traditional fiberglass or rockwool insulation, or add a layer of rigid foam, which takes up less space. No matter which kind of insulation you use, you'll need to cut it to fit around the floor joists and into the header, using a utility knife. When cutting and handling fiberglass or rockwool, be sure to wear a dust mask and protective clothing to prevent skin and throat irritation.

Considerations

• Many homeowners insulate only the basement ceiling, leaving the walls and header unprotected. This solution is easier and cheaper, but doesn't provide the same efficiency as a well-insulated header. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, basements are often well-connected to the rest of the house. If you insulate the floor only, you'll lose heat every time you enter the basement. Header and wall insulation also provide continuous air and heat leakage boundaries, since you don't have to work around the ducts and plumbing found on most basement ceilings.