Creating Comfort in Your New Basement

Keith Sawlor, March 12, 2014 | Posted in Build; Tagged Energy Efficiency, Design Considerations

Feeling a chill in your basement? If you’re planning on building a new home, you can prevent “cold basement syndrome” ahead of time.

This is done by insulating the basement floor before the concrete slab is poured. The insulation will separate the warm interior space from the cold ground, preventing heat loss through the concrete slab.

The results are only as good as the installation, though, so make sure you’ve chosen a reputable builder. Better builders will install a high-quality, two-inch insulated sheathing on top of a carefully leveled bed of gravel.

An approved vapour barrier should then be installed on top of the insulated sheathing, preventing moisture and air movement under the concrete slab. This vapour barrier should extend up the wall so it can later be attached to the vapour barrier on the outside of the house, forming a continuous layer.

With some careful planning and the right insulation, your basement can—and should be—as comfortable as the rest of your newly built home.

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Past Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National and Better Business Bureau.