My finished basement always feels cold even with insulation. What can I do?

Cold basements in New Brunswick are extremely common, especially in homes built before 2000. Even with insulation, several factors can make your basement feel uncomfortably cold during our long winters.

The most likely culprit is air leakage around the foundation perimeter, rim joists, and basement windows. Cold air infiltration can make insulated spaces feel drafty and cold. Check for gaps around basement windows, where the foundation meets the main floor framing, and around any penetrations for utilities. Seal these with spray foam or weatherstripping.

Inadequate or improperly installed insulation is another major factor. Many older New Brunswick homes have minimal basement insulation, and even newer homes may have thermal bridging through concrete or steel studs. If your basement walls are insulated on the interior with fibreglass batts, moisture infiltration through the foundation can reduce the insulation's effectiveness. Consider upgrading to rigid foam insulation on the exterior of the foundation (during major renovations) or spray foam on the interior for better thermal performance.

Heating system issues often contribute to cold basements. Many New Brunswick homes rely on oil furnaces or older electric baseboard systems that don't adequately heat basement spaces. If your basement has its own heating zone, check that dampers are open and vents aren't blocked. For homes without dedicated basement heating, adding a cold-climate heat pump mini-split unit rated to -25°C can provide efficient heating and cooling.

Foundation moisture problems are widespread in New Brunswick due to our clay soils, high water tables, and freeze-thaw cycles. Moisture makes spaces feel colder and can damage insulation. Ensure your exterior drainage is working properly - clean gutters, proper grading away from the foundation, and functioning weeping tile systems. A dehumidifier can help manage interior moisture levels.

Consider having a home energy assessment to identify specific heat loss areas. While the Canada Greener Homes Grant is no longer available, NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program offers rebates for insulation upgrades and heat pump installations that could significantly improve your basement comfort.

For electrical heating additions or major insulation work affecting vapor barriers, you'll need permits from your municipality (if you're in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, etc.) or your Regional Service Commission for rural areas. Any electrical work requires a licensed contractor and NB Power wiring permit.

Find qualified insulation contractors and HVAC specialists who understand New Brunswick's challenging climate conditions in our verified contractor directory.