I need information on the best way to insulate a basement. We just built our home and want to insulate the concrete walls and then put dry wall over them to finsih it to a family room.
I would like to know what is best way to insulate for mold, dampness, bugs, insulation? Is rolled insulation or Foam better? Would it be better to do the foam first and then do the rolled insulation? If you could please help us with this?
Thank you so much!

Terri Elswick

http://www.buildingscience.com/resources/basements.htm

Foam is one way to do it but may not be the best way.

In fact, applying rigid foam directly against the foundation is prohibited entirely in areas of high termite infestation and foam must be thermally isolated to prevent fire. Foam will be the most expensive option for insulation.

What type insulation you should use will also be dictated by the type of basement walls you have. If they are more than 50% below grade, foam could be fairly economical. For basement walls entrely above grade, foam may be the least economical.

What level of insulation will also be determined by where you live and the Code compliance path you have chosen for your overall home.

Check with local designers, contractors and your code office for specific answers, alternatives, and applications.

For me in my region, foam is always the last choice in insulation alternatives because of its excessive cost and extremely long payback on investment.

OK...foam is not a good choice, so is rolled insulation better for dampness, electricity, mold? What is the best way to insulate your basment against concrete walls that is 50% below ground?
Thank you