Insulating Tools

Tools For Insulating Basement Walls

It seems with the current cold weather of winter that many people are searching for information on insulating their homes. A growing number of people are looking for advice on insulating their basements so I thought I’d write an article on the tools that you’ll need to effectively insulate your home.

Foam Insulation Tools / Products

Spray foam has become increasingly popular among DIY folks and professionals for sealing gaps in framing and foundation members to improve the energy efficiency of homes. Great Stuff Foam Sealant is a very popular spray foam that’s really easy to use. Spray foam is great for sealing gaps in utility penetrations, around windows, doors, and even along framing/foundation borders.

Cans of Great Stuff Foam Sealant come with a disposable straw for spraying the foam into cracks. However, the straws don’t really work that well. I suggest you buy a Great Stuff Pro Gun if you plan on doing a large project. You’ll want to buy a can of Great Stuff Pro Tool Cleaner so you can properly clean the gun in between uses.

Spray foam is also great for sealing “blue board” insulation board against framing members. I especially like to cut pieces of rigid foam board insulation to fit between the joists up tight against the rim joist. Then you seal with spray foam all around the framing to hold insulation in place.

Basic Insulating Tools

In addition to the foam insulation tools you’ll need some basic tools. Most people own a utility knife but if you don’t have one then I recommend you buy a good Contractor Grade Utility Knife. It’s also important to protect your clothes and lungs from dust, fiberglass and other nasty materials that you might be using for insulation. I recommend you buy a good quality Dust Mask and a set of Coveralls.

Other Insulating Articles

• Air Sealing Homes Saves Energy Costs

• Spray-In-Place Cellulose Insulation

• How To Insulate Basement Walls