Rim Joist, Basement & Crawl Space Insulation in Allegan, MI

Rim joist, basement and crawl space insulation stops the cold air that pours in at the foundation of most older Allegan County homes. In an old house, the sill often sits loosely on fieldstone or block, and the rim joist has gaps you can feel on a windy day. In a cottage or addition, the crawl space may be open to the outdoors.

Rim joists

Closed-cell foam sealed into every bay of the rim joist is one of the best-value jobs in a Michigan house. HomeGuide lists it at about $2,000 to $2,500, and Consumers Energy has listed a rim joist rebate.

Basement walls

Michigan's code lists R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity for Zone 5 basement walls. Closed-cell on fieldstone or block bonds to the uneven surface. If water is coming through the wall, that gets fixed first.

Crawl spaces

For crawl spaces under additions and cottages, we usually insulate the walls and rim, lay a ground vapor barrier and close vents rather than stuffing batts under the floor. For seasonal cottages that stay unheated in winter, insulating the floor and protecting the plumbing may be the better choice.

Finished basements

If the basement is finished, we can often foam the rim joist through a drop ceiling or small access cuts. If you are finishing now, closed-cell foam on the masonry before framing is the best way to get the walls right.

We will look at your basement or crawl space and send a written plan. Get a free estimate