I want the contractor to insulate the basement floor before the concrete is poured. How much and what kind of insulation should be placed over the crushed stone? Should a vapour barrier be placed on top of the insulation and should it come up the sides and then be cut off around the perimeter after the cement is dry or should it be folded next to the cement walls under the floor? I want to use the area for a TV room and exercise area. I would appreciate your advice.
Answer:
Depending on the lay of the land and the level of the water table in the area, your local building authority will dictate how this phase of the project will go. Because soil temperature at a given depth will remain constant anyway, you won't be doing much to warm up the floor by insulating underneath it. You'll be much better off to follow local bylaws and then heat the floor with either hydronics or electrical elements.
