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Rigid foam board insulation is one of the safest insulation materials for basement walls. The panels offer a moisture barrier to prevent mold and mildew build-up. At the same time, this material is also fire-resistant, so you don’t have to worry as much about a fire breaking out as you would with spray foam insulation. 

The cost to install or upgrade insulation generally ranges from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot. The final price depends on factors such as the type of insulation chosen, the total area to be covered (home size), and local labor costs.

You do not always need to remove old insulation before adding new. If the existing insulation is in good condition—not wet, physically damaged, moldy, or infested with pests—you can add new insulation directly on top of it for a compounding effect. You can also mix different types, such as adding blown-in insulation around existing fiberglass batts.

However, removal is recommended if the old insulation is compromised by water damage or pests. You should also remove it if you plan to install a different type of insulation, like switching from roll or batt insulation to spray foam. If the existing insulation is very old or damaged, you will likely get more benefit from removing it and starting fresh.

One of the clearest signs that your insulation isn’t working as well as it should be is a noticeable difference in temperature throughout your home. One room might feel icy while another is hot as Arizona—this indicates that some parts of your home are either retaining or losing heat more than others. Additionally, a sudden increase in your energy bills, evidence of pests or rodents, or evident water damage are other signals that warrant a thorough inspection of your insulation and potential replacement.