Expert: Michael Curry - 1/27/2008

Question
Michael,

I recently purchased a home in northern Virginia (close to Washington DC) that was built in 1974.  The previous owner finished the basement but I just realized that he did not have any insulation put in the exterior walls.  My questions are -- do I insulate the walls? what do I use to insulate the walls? will insulating the walls make any difference in the temperature in the basement?

Thanks Joe

Answer
Hi Joe,

I am not familiar with the climate in your area so I can't say what difference insulating the walls would make. If the basement is finished this will be an expensive installation. Presuming the outside walls are studded you would use the appropriate size batt of insulation.