How to Insulate a Basement - Installation Process & Cost Explained
Published on December 25, 2025 | By Attic Pro Care, Inc
Many people already have insulation inside their basements, which somehow keeps the warmth trapped in winter. However, some homes need something else because of mild cold and heat in winter and summer, respectively. There is no doubt that fiberglass insulation is very efficient in winter, but it is not a good choice for summer. People who live in hot regions know the struggle of hot walls that keep the properties warm, also at night. The heat that is trapped in the fiberglass insulation throughout the day, which is an advantage, becomes a disadvantage when it slowly releases inside the homes at night. This insulation is not suitable for homes that have to face excess heat in summer, especially in hot regions.
Their HVAC system also faces a load, which leads to high bills. To reduce that bill, one has to go for something reflective, lightweight, and budget-friendly. Radiant barriers are the best choice for such hot regions. Even in winter it is not very challenging, and the warmth leakage can be prevented with the same aluminum foils, aka radiant barriers. How they work and how you can install them is something you should know. We are Attic Pro Care, an insulation service provider, and also a manufacturer of radiant barriers. People who want insulation in their basements to reduce their electricity bills can choose either DIY or our service. Both are good options, but the question is whether you can go with DIY or not. Most people prefer a professional insulation service, which results in a perfect outcome, professionalism, and lots of other benefits. Here are the two ways one can opt.
DIY Basement Insulation Using Radiant Barriers
This is about insulating a basement via DIY. Also, this insulation is not of fiberglass batt, but something else. It is through radiant barriers, which are aluminum foils known for reflecting radiant heat. You can also install it alone if you have a small basement and enough skills to do that. All you will have to do is gather some tools like a pair of scissors, a foil stapler, pins, and measuring tape. Besides, you will need some radiant barrier rolls that you can purchase online or from the nearest hardware store. It will surely be cost-effective, but it will take much more time, and there will be more chances of error. One would not want to have loopholes, which can reduce the insulation efficiency.
Professional Basement Insulation With Radiant Barriers
However, there is another way to do that. That way is having the radiant barriers installed through Attic Pro Care. You will neither have to buy nor do anything because Attic Pro Care will do everything for you. It is a radiant barrier manufacturer that also has a team of professionals to install them in your basement. If you choose this company, the installation process will go something like that.
Step 1: Basement Inspection and Measurements
The professionals will do a scheduled visit, which will probably be free of cost. They will inspect the entire basement to measure every dimension in it. Ceiling, walls, and floor will be measured to select the right size of radiant barriers. Also, experts will inspect any condensation or existing mold inside the basement. Usually, the heating system doesn’t perform as well as it should because of heat leakage. The upper floors slowly lose the warmth through the cold walls and ceiling of the basement. So, Attic Pro Care’s professionals inspect every flaw in the basement.
Step 2: Removal of Existing Insulation
They also inspect the existing insulation, which is probably fiberglass batting. These thick layers of fiberglass are a good choice, but they could absorb moisture and could also shed fibers. These flaws cause mold and skin problems, respectively. So, professionals have to remove the existing insulation to start from scratch. Also, fiberglass insulation is not suitable for summer because it can absorb heat waves to slowly release them even when the sun has set. This problem makes existing insulation problematic for users. So, the only solution is to remove existing insulation, so a new and fresh layer of radiant barriers can be installed.
Step 3: Selecting the Right Radiant Barrier
Then the radiant barrier selection process starts, where the team has to choose a type of aluminum foil. Since basements have to be warm in winter and cooler in summer, the insulation selection faces challenges. Our team chooses double-sided bubble radiant barriers for dual performance. This type of foil performs well in both weather. They reflect heat waves from both sides, which results in ultimate insulation. In summer, the heat waves can’t enter the upper portion when the air conditioner is working.
In winter, the warmth in the upper portion will not leak into the basement through the walls. The aluminum foils will prevent heat waves from passing through them. The team selects the type of radiant barrier depending on the climate and basement type.
- Single-sided shine foils
- Double-sided shine foils
- Single-layered foils
- Multiple-layered foils
There could also be custom options available depending on the project.
Step 4: Radiant Barrier Installation Process
Then the installation process takes place, where the team covers all the walls, ceiling, and even the ground with radiant barriers. They keep some space, like an inch, between the foils and wood/concrete. That space is mandatory to allow heat wave reflection and airflow. It also prevents moisture buildup in the basement. If there is no space between the radiant barriers and walls, there will be poor performance. Also, there will be a risk of mold growth. So, some users might need a window and a fan to prevent moisture buildup if the humidity is high.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Performance Checks
Once the installation is done, our team performs a final inspection. That winds up all the errors and flaws that happened during the installation process. Workers ensure the warmth won’t leak through the walls and gaps between the foils. They ensure all the foils are intact with each other, so there is no chance of a flaw. The HVAC system gets full support from these foils, and the team has to ensure that.
Basement Insulation Cost Breakdown
Then the costing process comes, which will obviously be estimated because of various reasons. However, you will get a better idea, so you can prepare yourself for better decision-making. Lots of factors are part of it, which mainly include aluminum foils and laborers. These two factors make the largest impact on the total cost.
Estimated Cost of Radiant Barrier Materials
Since Attic Pro Care also manufactures aluminum foils, it offers reasonable rates to its customers. People who choose its service also get radiant barriers because that is a part of the project. Therefore, there are single-sided, double-sided, and even seven-layer radiant barriers for customers. It gives a better estimation of the prices customers want to know.
- The estimated cost of a radiant barrier is around $0.20 per square foot. The cost could increase, and it could reach or exceed $1 per square foot. So, you can expect the price per square foot of a radiant barrier to be near $1 or slightly above it.
- Then comes the total cost of the radiant barrier roll. There are different sizes available, like 500, 1000, and 2000 sq ft. If you want to estimate the cost of 500 sq. ft., it is between $100 and $700. Again, the price could increase or decrease depending on the current prices and if you choose a different brand’s foils.
Labor Costs and Installation Variables
Then you need to add labor cost that depends on the number of workers required to perform the job. Attic Pro Care shares the details of labor wages at the time of finalization of charges. However, you can expect the labor cost to be near average wages in your state or city.
Equipment and Miscellaneous Costs
Then some additional costs may be included depending on the circumstances. In case you need a ventilation fan or any dehumidifier against excessive humidity, the cost may increase. Besides, there could be a few other factors that can make some changes.
Warranty and Long-Term Coverage
Don’t forget the warranty that you get from Attic Pro Care. It is a part of the insulation system you get from us. Our team shares details with you at the time of the contract signing process. The overall cost is not that much if you compare it with alternative options. Attic Pro Care provides reasonable insulation with a warranty and long-term durability.
Conclusion
That is how one can insulate their basement from excessive heat in summer and cold in winter. Usually, radiant barriers are suitable for summer, and fiberglass batting is suitable for winter. However, places where neither heat nor cold is severe can choose radiant barriers for good insulation in both weathers. That will be an effective and lightweight solution for homes and commercial places. Also, the installation process is mostly budget-friendly for most clients.