Slab insulation

[PapaDave]

Was hoping someone could give info on how to insulate exposed exterior block and slab.
Most of the house is concrete slab with about a foot or so of block exposed to the cold. Floors are chilly and so are my feet and lower legs.
We had carpeting in most of the house, but a couple years ago had a local guy put down vinyl (we have dogs) to make it easier to clean.
Not sure I'll do it this year, but would like some ideas from the people I trust here on the Hearth.
Ok, fire away.

 

[jimbom]

Since you have time, this site has excellent information:

(broken link removed to http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-1003-building-america-high-r-foundations-case-study-analysis)

(broken link removed to http://www.buildingscience.com/index_html)

If you look long enough, your situation with drawings will be there in some article.

 

[semipro]

+1 on the Building Science site. The Green Building Advisor site is also good for this. http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/ There Q&A area is well stocked with knowledgeable folks.

I suspect you're going to find that adding polyiso, XPS, or EPS foam is recommended. I think the tricky part will be how to integrate the added foam with what's at the sill and above. I don't think you'll want your foundation insulation sticking out beyond your walls. If that becomes a problem you could consider adding exterior foam to your walls also.

 

[gpcollen1]

My family room is carpet on slab. I am putting 2" XPS on it when I renovate and building a floor on top of it. Going to XPS the walls too and reframe them.

Those Building Science articles are great. Here is a link to a search for basement and insulation...good stuff...

http://www.buildingscience.com/search?SearchableText=basement+insulation

 

[PapaDave]

Excellent!
Thanks guys. I've been to buildingscience before, but couldn't remember the name. Appreciate the links.
It's now bookmarked.

 

[peakbagger]

A real informative video was done by "tom in Maine" from this site and Dick Hill on frost penetration and how to insulate a slab. Its definitely doesnt have high production values but simplifies the concept

(broken link removed to http://www.hotandcold.tv/shop.html)