Poured wall foundation and insulation
MJDesigns
| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
Does it make a difference in the insulating properties of a poured wall foundation if it has a “brick patterned” finish on both sides of the wall as opposed to a “smooth” finish? Overall contact would be better between the rigid and concrete wall with the “smooth” finish, but does the “brick pattern” negatively affect the insulation properties of the wall in any way as a result of the non-contact areas? This would be new construction in zone 5 (cold climate). The wall will be insulated from the exterior as well with rigid … this would be additional in a finished area of the basement.
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Replies
Milan Jurich,
I'm not familiar with brick-patterned concrete, but if you are planning to cover one side with rigid insulation, then it would make sense to me that you want smooth-finished concrete on that side.
Hi Martin,
Attached is a photo of a typical "brick" patterned foundation finish. Surprisingly, there's additional cost involved in using "smooth" as opposed to "brick" when comparing two quotes from different companies. Just wondering if it makes that big a difference. Exterior will be covered with waterproofing and 1.5" of XPS. Interior will have the rim joists sprayed in closed cell spray foam along with an additional 1.5" - 2" of rigid foam.