Above Grade Insulation
Above Grade Insulation in Minnesota
A foundation isn’t fully protected until it’s insulated from the footing all the way to the sill plate. Above grade insulation covers the exposed portion of the foundation wall — from finished grade up to the top of the wall — closing the gap that below grade waterproofing and insulation alone can’t reach. At Waterproofing Inc., we install above grade insulation on every new build to meet Minnesota and Wisconsin energy code and give homeowners a fully protected foundation from day one.
What Is Above Grade Insulation?
Above grade insulation is rigid foam board installed on the exposed, above-ground portion of a foundation wall — the section visible before backfill and landscaping cover the rest. Unlike below grade insulation, which sits against soil, above grade insulation faces the elements directly, so it has to hold up to sun exposure, moisture, and impact while still delivering consistent thermal performance. Paired with our below grade insulation and waterproofing membrane, it creates one continuous layer of protection from the footing to the top of the foundation wall.
Works With Your Complete Foundation System
Above grade insulation isn’t a standalone product — it’s the final piece of a layered foundation system. Installed alongside our exterior waterproofing membrane and below grade insulation, it delivers one continuous thermal and moisture-management envelope around the entire foundation wall, with no seams or gaps for builders to worry about at inspection.
Benefits of Above Grade Insulation Products
Closing the gap between below grade protection and the top of the foundation wall keeps homes energy-efficient and code-compliant from the start.
Meets MN & WI Energy Code
Most residential energy codes require continuous insulation up to the top of the foundation wall, and we install to spec on every lot.
Eliminates the Thermal Gap
Extends protection above the point where below grade insulation ends, so there's no exposed, uninsulated section of foundation wall.
Reduces Energy Loss
An uninsulated foundation can account for a significant share of a home's total heat loss; above grade insulation helps close that gap before the home is ever occupied.
Built to Handle Exposure
Installed with a protective facing designed to withstand sun, moisture, and impact from lawn equipment and foot traffic at ground level.
One Trusted Partner for Single-Family & Multifamily Builds
Whether you’re building a single-family home or a multifamily community, our crews install above grade insulation to the same consistent standard on every lot. We proudly partner with homebuilders throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin to protect foundations from the footing to the sill plate — before the first wall goes up.
Ready to close the gap on your next build? Contact Waterproofing Inc. to get above grade insulation installed on your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below grade insulation is installed on the portion of the foundation wall that sits against backfilled soil, while above grade insulation covers the exposed section from finished grade up to the top of the foundation wall. Together, they create one continuous layer of thermal protection with no gaps between the footing and the sill plate.
Yes, most residential energy codes in Minnesota and Wisconsin require continuous insulation up to the top of the foundation wall. Waterproofing Inc. installs above grade insulation to meet these code requirements on every new build, helping builders pass inspection without delays.
Because it’s exposed above ground rather than covered by soil, above grade insulation has to withstand sun exposure, moisture, and physical impact from lawn equipment or foot traffic — all while still delivering consistent energy performance. It’s built with a protective facing designed for that above-ground exposure.
Yes, above grade insulation works best as part of a complete foundation system that includes exterior waterproofing and below grade insulation. Installing all three together closes any gaps and gives builders one continuous, code-compliant layer of protection around the entire foundation.