An Alberta basement is a cold, damp problem waiting to happen: concrete against frozen ground, warm household air meeting a cold wall, and condensation forming exactly where you are about to frame and drywall. Closed-cell spray foam is the standard fix because it insulates and acts as its own vapour control in one step.
Why closed-cell below grade
At about 2 inches, closed-cell reaches roughly R-12 to R-14 and becomes a vapour retarder; 3 to 4 inches pushes R-18 to R-28 in a tight cavity. Sprayed directly to the foundation wall it eliminates the gap where warm air would otherwise condense - the root cause of the musty, mouldy finished basement.
What it fixes
- Cold floors and walls in a below-grade living space.
- Condensation and the mould and rot that follow it.
- The rim joist at the top of the wall - the leakiest band in the house.
Do it before you frame, not after. Estimate your basement, then get a free quote. Compare closed-cell vs open-cell.