When a floor over is poorly air sealed, air can leak through a number of locations, such as the band joists, structural framing, and knee walls. Air leaks can lead to a host of issues, such as cold floors, freezing pipes, and chilled duct runs that prevent the HVAC system from working properly. A poorly sealed floor cavity has a significantly reduced R-value and isn’t much better than a floor cavity with no insulation at all. Air sealing the floor cavity properly is key.

In this application the spray foam is applied directly to the underside of the roof. Because of the foams high per inch R-value as well as being an air barrier at 1 inch and a vapor barrier at 2 inches this method is also very popular in half story retrofits because of the 2×4 cathedral ceiling rafters. Cathedral ceilings can add an element of charm and grandeur to any home,

The most important thing about finishing your basement is to insure that it’s insulated properly, or you are just going to create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive. Exposure to mould and mildew can lead to health problems – not the kind of thing you want your family exposed to. Once you finish your basement warm air from inside your nice new drywall will migrate behind the wall and come in to contact with the foundation walls behind the batt insulation.

Rim Joists, also referred to as Joist Headers or Joist Ends are a very critical area to focus on in regards to proper insulation. This space is located between the top of the basement wall, and the start of the first floor. This floor/wall interface is a major source of heat loss and infiltration.