Rim Joists: Insulation and Air Sealing

The connection between the block or concrete foundation and wood framing of the home is referred to as the rim joist or sill box. This is the most-often overlooked source of infiltration in the home, even though the air lost in this connection is very significant.

As indoor air is heated, it rises and escapes from the home, leaving an area of low pressure behind in the basement. Here, cold outdoor air is drawn in through leaky rim joists. This air not only cools the basement; it also taxes the heating equipment. St. Croix Energy Solutions is here to make sure your rim joists are properly sealed and insulated.

Spray Foam: The Top Choice for Rim Joists

Fiberglass batts are often haphazardly stuffed into these cavities. Unfortunately, batts are largely porous, so they do little to slow heat loss or prevent air leakage. Our team chooses closed cell spray polyurethane foam (SPF) for use around rim joists, the best choice for sealing and insulating these spaces.

As it is applied, SPF expands to seal every nook and cranny, eliminating infiltration in the basement and curing to an thermal resistance value of about R6.5 per inch (twice that of fiberglass!). Spray foam also has peripheral benefits: as it seals the rim joist from air leakage, it also creates a barrier against pests and critters.

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Testimonials

James M., Husdon, WI

The two workers that performed this service were here for two consecutive days, and they were very courteous and friendly, and extremely competent and clean. They used drop cloths on the floors, covered clothing and other items in the walk in closet with plastic. When the job was completed, they hooked up the testing equipment once again, and reran the test to determine the reduction of cold air from the initial test. The numbers were very much an improvement, and we both notice that the entire house is now uniformly warm and, indeed, is somewhat quieter.