Solving The Cold Basement Problem
Basements are naturally cold and damp since most of their wall area is below the ground level. However, much can be done to add warmth to a basement recreation room.Outside walls should be insulated and storm windows added. A sub-floor overlaid with tile or carpeting will help to overcome the chilly floor problem. Any door into a cold room or cellar should be fully insulated.
The composite cut-away sketch of one corner of a basement recreation room shows how insulation is applied to the walls and around windows, and How the sub-floor is laid. Don't forget to damp-proof the walls before you begin.
You may find that even with adequate insulation, your recreation room is still on the chilly side. Perhaps your heating system lacks the capacity to put heat into the room. Cold air lying static at floor level will chill the feet and make your basement room seem "colder. To help the furnace do a better job, be sure that a cold-air return leads from the basement room back to the furnace. This will allow the cold air to leave the floor area and be replaced by warmer air.
January 7, 2009