Exterior Basement Wall - Installing STYROFOAM™ PERIMATE™, Square Edge, SCOREBOARD™, Tongue & Groove or BLUECOR
NOTE: Building codes may not allow foam insulation on the exterior of foundations in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, east Texas and California.
The best time to insulate on the exterior of basement walls is before backfilling around the basement. If the backfill is already in place, it is still possible to insulate the above grade portion of the basement wall, but you may want to consider one of the interior insulation options described elsewhere in this section.
1. Install STYROFOAM™ extruded polystyrene insulation over damproofing or waterproofing on exterior of basement wall. For new construction, rest bottom edge of foam insulation on top of footer and extend up to sill plate. For retrofit, install foam insulation from one foot below grade up to sill plate. Foam insulation may be held in place temporarily with golf ball-size spots of compatible adhesive about 16" in each direction (check adhesive for compatibility with polystyrene foam).
2. Fasten foam insulation boards to basement wall. Use concrete fasteners and corrosion resistant washers (such as Tapcon™ screws and 1" galvanized washers). Use two fasteners per board, one fastener in each upper corner of the board a few inches below sill plate and a few inches from the edge of the board.
3. Protect foam insulation that is exposed above grade and six inches below grade.
4. If insulation value is not important, BLUECOR™ fanfold insulation can be used to protect waterproofing or damproofing on the exterior of basement walls. Install BLUECOR insulation with compatible adhesive from footer to grade then place backfill.
NOTICE: No freedom from any patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for Customer's use and for ensuring that Customer's workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
COMBUSTIBLE: Protect from high heat sources. Local building codes may require a protective or thermal barrier. For more information, consult MSDS, call Dow at 1-866-583-BLUE (2583) or contact your local building inspector. In an emergency, call 1-989-636-4400.
Building and/or construction practices unrelated to insulation could greatly affect moisture and the potential for mold formation. No material supplier including Dow can give assurance that mold will not develop in any specific system.
Tapcon is a registered trademark of Buildex Fastening Systems
