ᐅ Create a base detail for XPS insulation on basement exterior walls
Created on: 29 Apr 2026 10:04
M
Michi4392M
Michi439229 Apr 2026 10:04Hello everyone,
Background: Existing building/renovation: exterior basement wall with 14 cm (5.5 inches) XPS perimeter insulation, covered by a dimpled membrane. The top edge of the XPS is approximately 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) above the current ground level and about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) below the underside of the front door and terrace door.
Facade insulation was planned but is currently not financially feasible.
I would like to fill the ground level up to be flush with the doors, slopes included. Additionally, I want to connect a terrace to the house wall here.
Now I am wondering how to correctly detail the transition from ground level to dimpled membrane to insulation to house wall.
At first, I considered folding the dimpled membrane over the top of the insulation and then sealing it from above with an aluminum strip. Then bring the ground up to the membrane and place a 15 cm (6 inches) gravel strip in front.
In the terrace area, I would set the terrace surface level flush with the top edge of the insulation and also install an aluminum strip from above on the insulation.
In the door areas, I would place a self-supporting structure (L-shaped concrete or similar) over the insulation so that the load does not rest directly on the insulation.
Is this feasible? Are there better alternatives?
I would appreciate any suggestions, as it is not yet clear to me how to resolve this in a sustainable way.
I am happy to provide further information if needed.
Thank you in advance,
Michael
Background: Existing building/renovation: exterior basement wall with 14 cm (5.5 inches) XPS perimeter insulation, covered by a dimpled membrane. The top edge of the XPS is approximately 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) above the current ground level and about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) below the underside of the front door and terrace door.
Facade insulation was planned but is currently not financially feasible.
I would like to fill the ground level up to be flush with the doors, slopes included. Additionally, I want to connect a terrace to the house wall here.
Now I am wondering how to correctly detail the transition from ground level to dimpled membrane to insulation to house wall.
At first, I considered folding the dimpled membrane over the top of the insulation and then sealing it from above with an aluminum strip. Then bring the ground up to the membrane and place a 15 cm (6 inches) gravel strip in front.
In the terrace area, I would set the terrace surface level flush with the top edge of the insulation and also install an aluminum strip from above on the insulation.
In the door areas, I would place a self-supporting structure (L-shaped concrete or similar) over the insulation so that the load does not rest directly on the insulation.
Is this feasible? Are there better alternatives?
I would appreciate any suggestions, as it is not yet clear to me how to resolve this in a sustainable way.
I am happy to provide further information if needed.
Thank you in advance,
Michael
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