Best Practice Guide: Full Height Basement Insulation

Over the next few years, Ontario’s Building Code will require increasing levels of energy efficiency for new buildings and buildings undergoing renovation.

These requirements are part of the Government’s plan to create a greener Ontario and a culture of conservation. Phasing in these energy efficiency changes allows builders, building officials and others in the building industry time to prepare for the new requirements.

The next phase of this plan will require that homes constructed based on permits applied for after December 31, 2008 include near full-height insulated foundation walls.

A new Best Practices Guide for the Installation of Near-full Height Basement Insulation has been produced with the valuable assistance of the Ontario Home Builders Association, Ontario Building Officials Association, NAIMA Canada and others in the building sector.

The guide will benefit home builders, designers, and enforcement officials by addressing Building Code, technical and practical issues associated with the details and installation of basement insulation. 

If you would like to view a copy of this guide please click here for high-resolution or here for low-resolution.

If you would like to find out more information on the phased energy efficiency requirements of the 2006 Building Code please click here.