Basements are inherently damp places, which makes them much colder than the rest of the home. While a basement has natural insulation, that isn’t enough to make the space appear warm and inviting. Warming up a basement can be tricky, especially for beginners. You can either tackle infrastructure improvements or add new heat sources. 

In this blog, we will give you methods on how to improve your basement’s insulation, reduce heat loss, and optimize energy efficiency. Follow our tips to make your basement warmer in this frosty weather.

Locate Cold Spots

Having cold spots in your basement means that there are issues with your furnace and ductwork. It’s easy to pinpoint cold areas using a thermal image camera. Simply scan the room starting from the floor to the basement ceiling. Once you know where the cold spots are, you can start sealing cracks or installing more insulation. Addressing the cold spots in your basement will reduce heat loss and lower your utility bills. 

Add Insulation

A properly insulated basement is the key to keeping cold air out and warm air in. The most popular insulation materials are foam board, fiberglass, and spray foam insulation. These materials can be inserted in the wall cavity and drywall to patch up any holes and prevent warm air from escaping. Check out our blog on the most common basement insulation mistakes.

Seal Leaks or Cracks

Air leaks can occur when there are cracks in your basement walls and floors. Here are several reasons why cracks might appear in your basement:

  • Hydrostatic Pressure
  • Normal Settling of the Foundation
  • Lateral Loads
  • Freezing and Thawing Cycle

Basement cracks should be sealed since these are the common culprits in your basement’s heat loss. To prevent cool air from seeping inside, seal any openings using a caulking gun and an epoxy-based resin. Apply light pressure to the trigger on the caulk gun and fill the cracks. Smoothen the caulking and let it dry completely.

Caulk can also be applied to seal doors and windows where air can seep through. Most sealants degrade over time, so make sure to reseal them every five years. This will keep the cold air out and prevent any further damage.

Choose Energy-Efficient Windows

Depending on your basement windows, drafts and cold air might come in from the outside. This might happen due to single-glazed windows or broken seals. To block out the cold, make sure that your basement windows are in good condition. Using weather strips and foam tapes can prevent cold air from entering. These products will ensure that your basement is sealed up well throughout the winter. 

If you have glass windows, we recommend double glazing to help increase its thermal efficiency. A double-glazed window provides a thermal barrier between your basement and the cold outside environment. This will also increase comfort and reduce outside noise in your below-grade space.

Add Floor Rugs

Nobody wants to walk on cold, bare floors, especially during the freezing weather. For waterproofed basements, investing in floor rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting can reduce heat loss in the room. Floor rugs and carpets are effective in keeping your feet warm and comfortable. Install high-quality rugs over high foot traffic areas in your basement.

If you have a damp basement, consult with a basement remodeling company on how to address the leaks and flooding. Carpets are not suitable for damp basement floors as they provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Utilize an Electric Space Heater

Staying warm in the winter can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a heated floor or an HVAC system. As an alternative, energy-efficient space heaters can warm you up without racking up your utility bill. Space heaters are perfect for small basements because the room will warm up quickly. It uses considerably less energy than an HVAC unit, which means you can save more money. Just plug it in and turn it off when you leave the basement.

Call Us for Your Basement Renovation Needs

At Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling, we take pride in our quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. We design, finish, and remodel basements that are functional and can last for decades. When you work with us, we guarantee nothing but quality results and amazing outcomes. Feel free to get in touch with us for more details.