Before planning the job, assess the status of your basement. Here are some of the problems to look for:

i) Water leaks

Major water leaks, such as persistent leaks and flooding in the spring and when it rains, must be corrected. Often the solution requires excavating, damp-proofing or waterproofing the basement, adding a drainage system and insulating from the exterior.

Minor water leaks can sometimes be corrected by directing water away from the foundation by sloping the grade, aiming downspouts away from the house and patching the foundation on the interior.

Correct any problems with sump pumps or sewer backup before beginning the insulation job.

ii) Dampness

Symptoms of dampness on foundations and finishes include staining or mould growth, blistering and peeling paint, efflorescence (a whitish mineral deposit on the surface), spalling (deterioration of the surface) as well as a musty smell. Minor dampness may be corrected from the interior; more serious problems should be corrected from the outside. Condensation can also form on the foundation walls in the summer when the air is very humid and the foundation is cool.