Rim joists are the horizontal framing members at the perimeter of your home’s foundation. Because of their location, they often have gaps where air and moisture can enter.

This is a key part of the stack effect - a natural process where cold air enters through the lower levels of your home, heats up, and rises to escape through the attic.

If rim joists aren’t sealed and insulated, cold air will continue to seep in, leaving your floors cold and making it harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

Properly insulating rim joists improves comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality while stopping the stack effect in its tracks.

It’s usually best to begin with a home energy audit.

An energy audit provides a complete picture of your home’s energy performance, identifying areas where insulation is lacking or where other improvements can have the biggest impact. This helps prioritize upgrades, ensuring you get the most comfort and energy savings for your investment.

During the audit, our team uses advanced tools like blower door tests and infrared cameras to detect air leaks and assess your current insulation levels.

These tests not only uncover hidden issues but also give you a clear starting point for measuring improvements after your rim joist insulation is installed. It’s not just about taking our word for it—we’ll show you tangible results.

An estimate, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the cost of installing rim joist insulation. While helpful when you’re ready to move forward, starting with an energy audit ensures you have a well-informed plan and get the best overall value.

To get started, call us at (248) 291-7815, or send us a message. We’re here to help!

Fiberglass isn’t effective for rim joists because it allows air to pass through and can absorb moisture, leading to mold. Closed-cell spray foam is a superior choice because it acts as both an air and moisture barrier.

The process for insulating rim joists is straightforward but highly effective in improving your home’s comfort and energy efficiency:

Preparation and Inspection

• Our team assesses the rim joists during your home energy audit or site visit, checking for air leaks, gaps, moisture, or pest issues.
• The area is cleared of dust, debris, or old, ineffective insulation like fiberglass, ensuring a clean surface for proper adhesion.

Air Sealing

• Gaps, cracks, and penetrations (like those around plumbing or electrical lines) are sealed with a durable sealant to stop drafts and prevent air leakage.

Application of Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation

• Closed-cell spray foam is applied directly to the rim joists, expanding to fill every nook and cranny for a seamless air and moisture barrier.
• The foam hardens quickly, providing long-lasting insulation and protection against moisture and pests.

Quality Assurance Check

• After installation, we inspect the work to ensure complete coverage and address any remaining concerns.
• If a blower door test was part of an energy audit, we measure the improvement in your home’s air sealing.

Finishing Touches

• The insulated area is cleaned up, leaving your home ready to enjoy the benefits of warmer floors, fewer drafts, and lower energy bills.

In general, yes, you’ll notice a difference after rim joist insulation is installed. Many homeowners experience warmer floors, fewer drafts, and a more consistent indoor temperature right away.

The extent of the difference, however, depends on the amount of air leakage your home has. If your rim joists were a major source of drafts and energy loss, the change will be even more noticeable.

For the best results, combining rim joist insulation with other air-sealing and insulation upgrades (like attic insulation) ensures a whole-home solution for improved comfort and energy efficiency.

Yes, rim joist insulation can help prevent mold and moisture problems in your basement. We use closed-cell spray foam insulation, which acts as both an air barrier and a moisture barrier. Here's how it works:

• Blocks Moisture: The spray foam seals gaps and cracks in the rim joists, preventing humid outdoor air from entering your basement and condensing on cooler surfaces.
• Prevents Mold Growth: Unlike materials like fiberglass, closed-cell spray foam doesn’t absorb water, reducing the risk of mold and mildew developing in your basement.
• Improves Air Quality: By reducing moisture intrusion, rim joist insulation helps maintain a drier environment, which can protect your home’s structure and indoor air quality.

If moisture issues are a concern, rim joist insulation is a smart first step to creating a healthier, drier home. For severe moisture problems, additional solutions like dehumidifiers or waterproofing may also be recommended.

The cost to professionally insulate rim joists in Michigan typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on a few factors.

Here are the key factors that influence the price of rim joist insulation:

1. Size of Your Home

• Larger homes with more linear feet of rim joists require more materials and time for installation, which can increase costs.

2. Condition of the Rim Joists

• If your rim joists have existing moisture damage, debris, or ineffective insulation (like fiberglass), additional prep work may be needed before installation.

3. Accessibility

• Homes with unfinished basements or crawlspaces typically allow for easier access, while finished basements may require more time and care to reach the rim joists.

4. Type of Insulation Used

• Closed-cell spray foam, the most effective material for rim joists, costs more upfront than traditional insulation but offers superior long-term benefits like air sealing and moisture resistance.

5. Additional Services

• If your project includes air sealing, attic insulation, or other energy upgrades, the overall scope of work can affect pricing.

For a precise estimate and to learn about rebates or incentives, we recommend starting with a home energy audit. Contact us at (248) 291-7815 or send us a message to get started.

Yes, there are often rebates and tax credits available to help offset the cost of rim joist insulation. These programs can make energy efficiency upgrades more affordable for Michigan homeowners.

For details, please visit or rebates and tax credits page. Here's a summary:

• Utility Company Rebates: Many utility providers, such as DTE and Consumers Energy, offer rebates for insulation projects, including rim joists. These rebates reward energy-efficient improvements that reduce overall energy use.
• Federal Tax Credits: As part of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C), homeowners may qualify for a tax credit covering up to 30% of the cost of insulation materials and installation, with a maximum of $1,200 annually.
• Local Incentives: Some Michigan communities, such as Ann Arbor, and energy efficiency programs provide additional funding or discounts for insulation projects.

To determine your eligibility and maximize your savings, we’ll handle the paperwork for rebates and guide you through claiming any applicable tax credits. Contact us at (248) 291-7815 to learn more about available incentives and how we can help reduce the cost of your rim joist insulation project.