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Dulley's Money-Saving Tip #1112

Insulate band joist

(related column topic links - (886, 904)

If your house has a basement, there is an area of great energy loss that is seldom considered. The band joist, that rests on top of the foundation, often has no insulation. In most house, this area is above the ground level, so it is exposed to the full winter cold and summer heat.

Place a strip of fiberglass insulation along the area all around the basement. Actually, before you place the insulation on this area, it would be a good idea to squirt a bead of foam caulk along where the wood rests on the foundation top. Insulating foam, like Great Stuff, works great. Don't squirt on too much because it expands a lot as it cures. Wear gloves, it is very sticky and difficult to clean off of your hands.