HOW TO INSTALL APRON INSULATION

Dig an 18 × 24" wide trench next to the wall being insulated. Make sure to have
your local utilities company flag any lines that may be in the area first.

Coat the wall with a layer of bituminous coating once you have cleaned it with a
hose or pressure washer. The coating simply creates another layer of moisture
protection for the basement and can be skipped if you wish.

Line the trench with a 2"-thick layer of coarse sand, and then strips of rigid foam
insulation. The sand should slope away from the house slightly, and the insulation
strips should butt up against the foundation wall.

Install drip edge flashing to protect the tops of the insulation board and new siding.
Pry back the bottom edge of the siding slightly and slip the flashing flange up
underneath the siding. The flashing should extend out far enough to cover both layers
of new material (at least 1 1/2 to 2").

Bond strips of rigid foam insulation board to the foundation wall using a panel
adhesive that is compatible with foam. Press the tops of the boards up against the
drip edge flashing. When all the boards are installed, tape over butted seams with
insulation tape.

Install siding or another protective layer over the insulation. Here, 2 x 4 ft. faux stone panels are being used. Once the panels are in place, backfill the trench with dirt or gravel. Make sure to maintain minimum slopes for runoff at grade.