Before You Pour….
One of the first steps in building a home is pouring the foundation. As we discussed in the last blo
g, decisions made early in the building process are often the most critical for energy efficiency. Today, all builders insulate the walls and ceilings of a house, but what about the floor? Should we insulate the slab?
The answer, unequivocally, is yes. The perimeter of the slab is where much energy loss occurs, especially in the winter when temperatures are lower. Uninsulated slabs lose heat through the ground, resulting in higher heating costs for homeowners. Concrete is not an insulator, so when the frame of your wall meets the concrete, the insulation ends.
One of our homes under construction with the insulation shown.
Outside, there is another 2-12 inches of your foundation that typically is exposed to the elements without being insulated. By insulating the exterior edges of the slab, it is estimated that heating bills will drop approximately 15 percent. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy.
Another result of an insulated slab is the relative humidity is typically lower than that of a non-insulated slab. This makes an insulated slab less likely to have the risks associated with mold, mildew, fungal growth, and dust mites.
A slab without insulation along the perimeter will result in heat loss no matter how tightly the rest of the house is built. It is important to take the “whole-house approach” when building an energy efficient home. If you are thinking of building a home, consider McAlister Construction. Though most builders do not prioritize energy efficiency, it is one of the central tenants of our building philosophy. We insulate the slab on every home we build because it will save our homeowners money. It’s not only the smart thing to do, it’s the right thing to do.
