Photo Album: Insulating a Rim Joist in Orange, MA

This homeowner in Orange, MA called us when she decided she wanted to replace her basement insulation. When our Home Comfort Specialist arrived at the home, he noted that she had fiberglass batt insulation in the ceiling and rim joist. A "rim joist" is the perimeter of the floor framing system along the exterior of a house. Old fiberglass insulation has been proven to be ineffective against cold and hot weather, and is a common nesting place for pests. As a result, the basement was more cold, drafty, and uncomfortable.    The recommended solution for this customer was for them to replace their fiberglass insulation with two-part expanding spray foam in the rim joist and over the sill plate. This seals the air leaks -- getting into all of the cracks, gaps, and joints where air from the outside enters the home. This keeps the basement at a more warm ambient temperature, and prevents air from the outside from coming in.