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Exterior Basement Walls

PlastiSpan and DuroFoam insulation on the exterior face of your basement wall isolates the concrete from temperature fluctuations and reduces the likelihood of condensation forming behind interior wall finishes.

  1. Follow the Building Code
    Be sure to check the National Building Code of Canada or the applicable building code in your region regarding minimum insulation, framing and vapour barrier requirements.
 
  2. Apply Dampproofing
    Ensure that the concrete surface is dry and free of dirt. Apply dampproofing or water-proofing compound, if required, to the exterior face of concrete wall from the top of footings to above finished grade.
 
  3. Install PlastiSpan
    Starting from a corner, apply PlastiSpan insulation to the wall from the top of the foundation wall to the top of the footing. Use an expanded polystyrene compatible adhesive. PlastiSpan insulation is used as an insulating sheathing installed on the exterior of a building. The long edge of the board should be horizontal.
 
  4. Measure and Trim Insulation
    Measure and trim PlastiSpan insulation with a utility knife or fine tooth hand saw to fit around any openings such as windows.
 
  5. Protect The Insulation
    Place a 6’’ deep layer of coarse gravel against the bottom edge of the insulation and over the drainage tile.
 
  6. Protect Exposed Insulation
    PlastiSpan insulation must be protected from the top of the basement wall to 12’’ below grade to prevent damage. Stucco parging is one common protective layer than may be applied. Talk to your building supply professional about other choices.
 
  7. Backfill
    Backfill the foundation wall to the required grade using backfill material that will permit drainage to the drainage tile at the bottom of the wall. Grade the site so that the top soil is sloped away from the foundation wall.

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PlastiSpan insulation meets national code requirements for all types of above and below grade applications.