Insulation Inspection Process

• To determine the type and the insulating or R-value of your existing basement insulation, inspect an exterior wall by way of an electrical outlet. After cutting the power to the outlet by flipping the main switch located near your electrical panel or fuse box, you can remove the outlet cover using a screwdriver appropriately matched to the screws holding the cover in place. A quick look inside the wall with a flashlight will help you to determine what insulation is located there and how thick it is.
  
  

Insulation Identification

• A small piece of any insulation found can be removed and set aside for later identification and assessment. The discovery process should include basement ceilings, perimeter and foundation walls. Insulation samples taken to your local hardware or home improvement store can be correctly identified by a building professional. Refer to the U.S. Department of Energy's online Insulation Fact Sheet to determine the R-value of your existing insulation.
  
  

Determining What You Need

• Once you have determined the pre-renovation R-value of your current insulation, a look at the U.S. Department of Energy's online Zip-Code Insulation Program will help you to determine the type and amount of insulation you should add to achieve the best results. This tool will take into account the climactic conditions where you live and the design of your home to make an accurate determination of your home's particular insulation needs.
  
  

Installation Costs and Rate of Return

• The Zip-Code Insulation Program will give you an estimate of how much your new insulation will cost and how long gaining return on your investment through energy savings will take. All of this research will prove valuable in determining insulation costs for your do-it-yourself renovation budget or ensuring that professional renovators are not overcharging you for what they may recommend and purchase. An energy assessment performed by a government licenced professional is also an effective means of determining your basement insulation needs.