How to Hold Styrofoam to Foundation

Rigid Styrofoam insulation is often installed on foundations to reduce heat loss and prevent moisture from infiltrating into the home. The insulation comes in large sheets and can be purchased in thickness of one, one and a half and two inches. The most common thickness used on home foundations in one inch. The foam can be installed by the homeowner by using Styrofoam insulation adhesive. A piece of trim called a J-Channel is often installed along with the foam, if the siding will not cover the top of the insulation.

Foam insulation panels
Shovel
Foam insulation adhesive
Foam Fasteners
Foam insulation J-Channel
Tin snips
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a small trench around the foundation that extends about six inches deeper than the foundation.
- 2
  Measure for the J-Channel. This is a piece that should be laid at the top of the foundation, between the foundation and the siding. Measure the lengths of the walls of the foundation and cut the J-Channel with tin snips to these lengths. Place the J-Channel up against the top of the foundation, drill through it and into the concrete. Pound one inch fasteners into the drilled holes to fasten.
- 3
  Clean the concrete of the foundation with a wire brush.
- 4
  Measure the height and length of the walls of the foundation and cut the foam pieces to match. Add a few extra inches to the height of the foam, so that it will sit partially below the foundation. This will provide extra insulation. Cut the foam with a utility knife.
- 5
  Apply strips of foam adhesive one foot apart to the foam before installing. The strips should run vertically. Press the foam up against the wall of the foundation. Once a piece of foam has been pressed into position, fill the trench around the concrete back up by shoveling the dirt back in. The soil will press the foam panel to the foundation while the adhesive is setting.

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Exterior Home Repair