How to Insulate Interior Basement Foundation Walls

The interior foundation walls in your basement can be an energy waster in your home, keeping the downstairs cool and uncomfortable during most of the year. The addition of insulation to your walls will go a long way to improving the comfort of your basement and overall energy efficiency of your home. Insulating your interior basement walls can also be the first step in a basement refinishing project.

Tape measure
Rigid foam insulation panels
Pencil
Straightedge
Utility knife
Construction adhesive
Caulking gun

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height and width of your interior basement walls, and record the measurements. Use these to determine the number of panels you'll need. Panels are typically 4 feet by 8 feet in size.
- 2
  Place a panel against the wall, starting at one corner. If you need to trim the panels to go around obstructions or other obstacles, place a straight edge onto the panel at the appropriate location. Score the panel with a utility knife, and then simply snap off the excess foam. Mark the outer edge of the panel on the wall, and then remove the panel.
- 3
  Apply construction adhesive with a caulking gun onto the wall in an S-shaped pattern at the panel's intended location. Place the panel against the wall, and press it firmly into the adhesive until it sticks.
- 4
  Place your next panel against the wall, butting up against the first panel. Trim as necessary, and apply to the wall with adhesive. Continue in this fashion until the walls are covered.
- 5
  Place strips of vinyl tape onto the seams between the foam panels.

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