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Exterior Edge Insulation for Existing Foundation Slabs

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    Rigid foam insulation is installed along the exterior edge of an existing foundation slab
    Scope

    In cold climates, install slab edge insulation when retrofitting existing slab-on-grade foundations.

    • Remove dirt to fully expose the edges of the existing slab.
    • Clean the exposed slab edge and apply damp proofing as a capillary break.
    • Install non-moisture-sensitive rigid foam board insulation (such as extruded polystyrene [XPS] or mineral wool) along the edge of the slab of a slab-on-grade foundation to meet or exceed the insulation R-value required by code. 
    • Install from the top of the slab down to the depth required by code unless a termite inspection gap is required.
    • Install a metal, cement board, or cellular PVC panel to conceal any portion of the insulation left exposed above grade. Note that if cement board is used, it should be a type that is not reinforced with wood fibers, or if it does contain wood fibers, it should be coated with acrylic latex paint on all six sides to protect it from water damage.
    • Install a metal cap as an insect guard that conceals the top horizontal edge of both the insulation and the closure panel.  Seal the cap to the slab edge with mastic.  The metal cap and mastic should be continuous around the building perimeter.
    • Replace the backfill, sloping away from the building.

    See the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications, for more on insulating slab foundations as well as information on general safe work practices.

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home programENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    In climates where the average monthly temperature for the coldest month of the year goes below 45°F, the temperature of the slab perimeter may be below the dew point of the interior air for a significant period of time.

    Even when condensation conditions are not present on the slab surface, relatively cool temperatures near an uninsulated slab edge will tend to elevate the local relative humidity.  As relative humidity rises, so too does the risk of mold, mildew, fungal growth, dust mites and other pests.  This is a particular concern for carpeted slabs as the carpet can provide a medium and cover for these biological risks.

    The installation of insulation over the edge of existing foundation slabs reduces the risk of these failures by increasing the temperature of the slab at the building perimeter during winter months and also increases both energy efficiency and thermal comfort.  Rigid, non-moisture-sensitive insulations can be installed (extruded polystyrene (XPS) and mineral wool are most common) even over the edges of existing slabs after the building has been completed.  This work can be performed by general contractors during new construction or by homeowners looking to improve the comfort and durability of their existing house.

    Follow “How to” steps below for retrofitting insulation over existing slabs. For information on insulating slabs of various configurations in new construction, refer to the BASC Solution Center Guide “Slab Edge Insulation.”

    How to Insulate an Existing Foundation Slab

    1. Remove dirt and backfill to fully expose the existing slab edge.
    2. Clean the exposed slab edge and apply damp proofing as a capillary break.
    3. Install rigid non-moisture sensitive insulation (extruded polystyrene (XPS) or mineral wool, for example) along the edge of the slab for a slab-on-grade foundation to meet or exceed the insulation R-value required by code. 
    4. Install from the top of the slab down to the depth required by code unless a termite inspection gap is required.
    5. Install a metal, cement board, or cellular PVC panel to conceal any portion of the insulation left exposed above grade. Note that if cement board is used, it should be a type that is not reinforced with wood fibers, or if it does contain wood fibers, it should be coated with acrylic latex paint on all six sides to protect it from water damage.
    6. Install a metal cap as an insect guard that conceals the top horizontal edge of both the insulation and the closure panel.  Seal the cap to the slab edge with mastic.  The metal cap and mastic should be continuous around the building perimeter.
    7. Replace the backfill, sloping away from the building.
    Rigid foam insulation is installed along the exterior edge of an existing foundation slab.
    Figure 1. Rigid foam insulation is installed along the exterior edge of an existing foundation slab. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)

     

    Success
    Ensuring Success

    Make every effort to install insulation in such a way that it is in direct contact with the damp-proofed slab edge.  This may be difficult if the slab edge is not completely flat.  A semi-rigid (but non-moisture sensitive) insulation (such as mineral wool) may be used to better track with the profile of the slab, or you may wish to grind the slab edge to make it smooth.  Note, however, that even when drainage mats are used between rigid insulations and concrete walls, the reduction in thermal performance from separating the insulation from the substrate is only about 3%-5%.  In most cases, a perfectly flat slab edge is not required to achieve excellent performance.  For similar reasons, taping the joints in the insulation is not required, although it may help keep the insulation in place during backfill.  Any tape compatible with the insulation may be used (acrylic construction tape is typical).

    A thermal camera can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulation at the slab edge from the exterior.  A close match between slab temperature and the outdoor air temperature reveals minimal heat loss at the base of the building.

    Climate
    Climate

    Slabs in different climate zones require different levels of thermal protection. Refer to the Compliance tab for code requirements.

    Note that some local codes include provisions for termite protection.  In areas where termite inspection strips are required, the insulation and cover panel should be held down from the top of the slab and the slab edge left exposed along the upper edge.  The amount of slab edge to remain exposed is dictated by the local code.

    The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide. 

    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.
    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)

     

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.

    Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)

     

     

     

     

     

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Right - A corrugated metal closure conceals the exterior rigid insulation at the slab edge
    Right - A corrugated metal closure conceals the exterior rigid insulation at the slab edge
    Image
    Right – The joint between the foundation wall and the mud sill is thoroughly sealed with a liquid-applied sealant.
    Right – The joint between the foundation wall and the mud sill is thoroughly sealed with a liquid-applied sealant.
    Image
    Right – R-20 of XPS and polyiso rigid foam were added on the slab shelf that is part of this precast foundation wall system.
    Right – R-20 of XPS and polyiso rigid foam were added on the slab shelf that is part of this precast foundation wall system.
    Image
    Right - The slab-on-grade foundation is insulated with two layers (R-20) of XPS foam under the-slab and R-10 on the exterior of the stem walls.
    Right - The slab-on-grade foundation is insulated with two layers (R-20) of XPS foam under the-slab and R-10 on the exterior of the stem walls.
    Videos
    Publication Date
    Author(s)
    University of Minnesota
    Organization(s)
    NorthernSTAR,
    NSTAR
    Description
    Video describing an “excavationless” retrofit technique developed by the University of Minnesota to install exterior insulation around the foundation of an existing home by using high-pressure water to cut a trench through the dirt along the edge of a concrete foundation, remove the mud with a...
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    2009-2021 IECC and IRC Insulation Requirements Table

    The minimum insulation requirements for ceilings, walls, floors, and foundations in new homes, as listed in the 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 IECC and IRC, can be found in this table

     

    2009, 2012, and 2015 International Energy Code (IECC)

    Section R402.2.9, Slab-on-grade floors. Slab insulation requirements are shown in Table R402.1.1 (Table R402.1.2 in 2015 IECC). R-5 must be added to the requirement for heated slabs. The insulation depth is to the depth of the footing or 2 feet, whichever is less in Climate Zones 1-3 (for heated slabs).

    2018 IECC

    R402.2.10. Slab insulation requirements are shown in Table R402.1.2. R-5 insulation shall be provided under the full slab area of a heated slab in addition to the required slab edge insulation R-value for slabs as indicated in the table. The slab edge insulation for heated slabs shall not be required to extend below the slab. 

    2021 IECC

    R402.2.9.1 Slab-on-grade floor insulation installation. Slab insulation R-value requirements and requirements for insulation located below grade are provided in Table R402.1.3.   Insulation extending away from the building shall be protected by pavement or a minimum of 10 inches (254 mm) of soil. The top edge of the insulation and the edge of the interior slab shall be cut at a 45-degree angle away from the exterior wall.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IECC

    Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

     

     2009, 2012, and 2015 International Residence Code (IRC)

    Table N1102.1.1 (Table N1102.1.2 in 2015 IRC). Slab insulation requirements are shown in Table below. R-5 must be added to the requirement for heated slabs. The insulation depth is to the depth of the footing or 2 feet, whichever is less in Climate Zones 1-3 (for heated slabs).

    2018 IRC and 2021 IRC

    Table N1102.1.2. Slab insulation requirements are shown in the Table below. R-5 insulation shall be provided under the full slab area of a heated slab in addition to the required slab edge insulation R-value for slabs as indicated in the table. The slab edge insulation for heated slabs shall not be required to extend below the slab. 

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IRC

    Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.

     

    More

    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

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    Contributors to this Guide

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    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    High-R Foundation Insulation = High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Foundation Insulation

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    Technical Description

    There are two levels of foundation insulation: high-efficiency insulation, which meets the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and ultra-efficient insulation, which is 25% more efficient than this national code. Using high-efficiency and ultra-efficient insulation, along with professional installation (e.g., no gaps, voids, compression, or misalignment with air barriers; complete air barriers; and minimal thermal bridging) creates conditioned spaces that require very little heating and cooling, along with, even comfort and quiet throughout the house.

    High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Foundation Insulation
    Sales Message

    High-efficiency foundation insulation helps provide added thermal protection. What this means to you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort and quiet. Knowing there is one opportunity to optimize performance during construction, wouldn’t you agree it’s a great opportunity to meet or exceed future codes?

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