How to Finish, Frame, and Insulate a Basement
- Submit B uilding Plans Make a scale drawing of your plans to submit to your local building inspections department. ...
- Insulating Basement Walls Start by gluing 3/4-inch extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls. ...
- Caulk Gaps ...
- Cut Top and Bottom Plates ...
- Anchor the Bottom Plate ...
- Install Blocking ...
- Install the Top Plate ...
- Install the Studs ...
Does an unfinished basement need to be insulated?
You should heat your unfinished basement. If you have cold floors, then insulating the basement ceiling will help the most. Once insulated, heating an unfinished basement will help warm your whole home.
How do you install insulation in an unfinished basement?
0:462:28How to Insulate Your Unfinished Basement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce the insulation is draped from the top furring strip secure the second furring strip to the wallMoreOnce the insulation is draped from the top furring strip secure the second furring strip to the wall beneath the insulation. Fasten it using the other flange on the basement.
What is the cheapest way to insulate basement walls?
The smart and inexpensive way to insulate joist bays is to use extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation panels cut to size to fit inside the bay and "glued" in with expanding foam. When the expanding foam hardens, trim away the excess and cover the foam with a piece 1/2" thick drywall to meet fire code.
How do I make my unfinished basement warmer?
Implement the following suggestions and bring the heat to your chilly basement.Ensure that your basement is well-insulated. ... Invest in a cozy fireplace. ... Replace drafty windows. ... Seal air leaks. ... Eliminate crawl space drafts. ... Install an extra heating system. ... Use radiant in-floor heat. ... Don't forget the visual aspect!
Should I insulate my basement ceiling of the basement is unheated?
As a general rule, unfinished basement ceilings should not be insulated. This is because it makes the room above colder and more prone to condensation. Also consider that heat rises, so insulation in the ceiling will mean warmer floors above with minor energy savings.
Do you really need to insulate basement walls?
Walls. Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.
What is the best insulation to use in a basement?
Fiberglass insulation is coated in a vapor barrier that is ideal for locking out the moisture that is common in a basement space. This material — which is known for its ability to last for years — can be easily installed with nails or an adhesive.
Is insulating a basement worth it?
Insulating your basement may seem like a project best suited for another day, but truthfully, insulating your basement walls can help improve comfort and reduce energy and maintenance costs to HVAC systems. It also allows for extra living space within a home, which can be invaluable.
Is foam board insulation enough for a basement?
Rigid foam board insulation is extruded polystyrene that is used in homes both above- and below-grade. Metallic reflective film is sometimes added to one side of the rigid foam. Because it holds up to water well, the board excels in below-grade applications such as basements.
What is the cheapest way to heat a basement?
Space heaters This is the cheapest option for heating your basement, but it's ideal for smaller spaces. Some people are also wary of space heaters, particularly if there are small children in the house. Many areas on the heater get incredibly hot and can easily burn the skin if touched.
Should you heat an unfinished basement in the winter?
In short, you should indeed heat your basement in cool and cold climate areas. Whether or not you use your basement isn't the question. While heating a space that isn't often used may seem like a waste, there are important facts to consider.
How cold is too cold for basement?
If you have properly insulated your finished basement, you shouldn't experience temperatures lower than 60°F. The finished floors and walls will not get as cold as exposed concrete.
How do you insulate a basement wall without studs?
Use furring strips attached to basement walls: basement panels can be used in a basement finish not using studs and drywall. As such, all you need for support are some furring strips attached to basement concrete side walls.
Should you use faced or unfaced insulation in a basement?
With its moisture-resistance properties, faced insulation works better for basements. However, you can install unfaced insulation on top of it for more protection. Even with varying features, both work effectively in regulating heat transfer within your home.
How do you install insulation in basement walls?
0:595:08How to Insulate Your Basement: Part 3 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you don't need a lot of insulation on basement walls in fact. You can do the job well with just aMoreSo you don't need a lot of insulation on basement walls in fact. You can do the job well with just a two inch layer of polystyrene stuck right to the surface of the concrete.
Do you need to insulate basement walls below grade?
Your best bang for the dollar in this instance is to insulate the coldest part of the wall, again typically to 2-feet below grade. However, there are many instances where insulating the full wall is the best option, such as if your walls are stone, or the floor is earth or crushed stone with no vapor barrier.
What happens if water gets on the backside of a basement?
If moisture collects on the backside after a few days, then water is wicking through the foundation wall from outside. The basement should be treated the same as if it were leaky. If you have regular seepage or water puddling after storms (even once every few years), you have to fix it permanently before finishing.
How to tell if a basement is wet?
To tell if walls are damp from exterior water or just condensation from humid interior air, tape a 2-ft. square sheet of plastic to the masonry. If moisture collects on the front of the plastic, you have condensation. The method we show for finishing will take care of that problem. If moisture collects on the backside after a few days, then water is wicking through the foundation wall from outside. The basement should be treated the same as if it were leaky. If you have regular seepage or water puddling after storms (even once every few years), you have to fix it permanently before finishing. Remedies for damp or wet basements can be as simple as rerouting downspouts , regrading slopes away from foundation walls, or applying water-resistant paints to interior surfaces. As a last resort, hire a pro to install perimeter drains and a sump pump. The bottom line is that it's senseless to spend time and money finishing a basement if leaks or moisture will ruin your work or cause mold to grow.
Why are basement top plates different lengths?
That's because top plates may project past foundation walls and be longer or run into soffits and be shorter. When you line up the plates to mark stud locations, be sure to account for differences. Step 17.
How to cut drywall with a utility knife?
Make cuts by snapping chalk lines to mark and then score it with a utility knife as deep as the blade will penetrate. Then snap the sheet just like you cut drywall.
What is the structure that conceals pipes and ductwork in a basement called?
Boxing in those pipes and ducts and then drywalling the assembly is the best way to conceal them. The whole structure is called a soffit.
How far away should chalk lines be from insulation?
Snap chalk lines 4 inches away from the insulation on the exterior walls.
How to tell if a wall is damp?
To tell if walls are damp from exterior water or just condensation from humid interior air, tape a 2-ft. square sheet of plastic to the masonry. If moisture collects on the front of the plastic, you have condensation. The method we show for finishing will take care of that problem.
How long does it take to insulate a basement?
About 2 to 4 hours to insulate an 8x14-foot wall. Whether you use your basement primarily for storage or as a recreational space, insulating this section of your home can yield significant financial benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulating your basement walls can save up to $350 annually in some regions.
How to prevent cement from leeching?
When properly mixed, the cement should reach a peanut butter-like consistency. Before applying the hydraulic cement, spray down the tie rod holes with water—this will prevent the concrete walls from leeching moisture from the new cement.
Can you put drywall in a basement?
Once your grid is in place, you can install your drywall. For basements, moisture-resistant greenboard is best.
How do I insulate a basement wall?
The best approach to insulating basement walls today is the use of spray foam. Spray foam is sprayed directly onto the concrete (block, stone or masonry) wall, sill plate and rim joist. The spray foam completely encapsulates the concrete and effectively insulates the wall while locking out moisture and creating a great vapor barrier. Spray foam i s the most expensive running as much as $3 per sq foot installed.
Why is it important to insulate basement walls?
Insulating basement walls properly is extremely important if you want to enjoy your finished basement investment. Every year thousands of basements are finished with poor insulation details that lead to mold, mildew and moisture problems that render the newly finished space un-usable.
Is moisture present in every basement?
Moisture Is Present In EVERY Basement. First of all you need to come to grips with the fact that every single basement has excessive moisture. Moisture is present in ALL concrete and block regardless of it’s age. The micro-structure of concrete looks much like a sponge and it holds on to moisture throughout it’s life.
Is foam board cheaper to install?
Foam board is cheaper to install and it can easily be done by a DIY’er so this option is more attractive to home owners that want to save on labor costs. Properly installed foam board (joints sealed) can also create an effective vapor barrier while preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
Can I finish a basement?
Not every basement is suitable to be finished. Often times I see basements that are finished off and they had zero chance of being successful finished space. If your basement has flooded in the past, or your basement is wet on a regular basis it’s not really a great idea to finish the space. You really need to be honest with yourself and only finish a basement if it has a history of being dry (no standing water, no visible puddles). Of course if you take the steps to correct past flooding issues (better site drainage, sump systems, gutters, etc) then it might be possible to successfully finish your basement. The bottom line is don’t waste your money and time if you have a questionable basement.
Can fiberglass insulation be used in a basement?
Fiberglass insulation is cheap and readily available and often used in poorly insulated basements. Fiberglass insulation is probably the single biggest cause of moldy basements today. Fiberglass insulation is nothing more than a ready and willing sponge that will soak up every ounce of water in your basement and promote the growth of mold and mildew. There are some exceptions to this rule which I will point out but it’s extremely important that you not use fiberglass insulation in direct contact with your foundation.
What is the first step to air sealing a basement?
This article explains what you need to do: Air-Sealing a Basement. The next step, if you can afford it, is to insulate your basement walls and rim joists.
How warm is a basement in winter?
With the foundation seals and the ducts in the basement, the basement is going to run a LOT warmer in winter than it has been, and may not need any sort of tempering to keep it above 65F in winter. My basement in MA is reasonably sealed and insulated to code min, and stays around 65F in winter just from heat radiating the ~ 68F first floor above, and some of the distribution losses off the hydronic heating zones & water heater, etc. It's coolest down there in mid-spring, when the heating system isn't running very often, dropping slowly to the low 60s before summertime weather starts to warm it up a bit. You may still want to do something about the leaky pocket door though. Air leaks into the basement are more important than leaks of similar size at mid-level, since it's the bottom of the "stack effect" stack, and is a major 24/7 infiltration point in winter.
Can you insulate a basement ceiling?
A. No. You want to insulate the basement walls, not the basement ceiling.
Do you need to insulate basement walls?
The next step, if you can afford it, is to insulate your basement walls and rim joists. (In a new house, basement insulation is required by building codes.) For more information on this work, see these two articles:
Why is it cold in the basement?
If it's cold down there in the winter it's probably because you don't have any heat vents in the basement (many houses don't, or they are always closed).
What size studs should I use for a false wall?
For the false wall, some do 2x4's, others 2x3's. Some put the studs on 16" centers, others 2'. If you ever plan on finishing off the basement, I would recommend 2x4 & 16".
Is concrete a good insulator?
Absolutely it's worth insulating. Concrete is a poor insulator. 8" concrete blocks have an R-value of 1.1 - about the same as 3/4" particleboard. In my neck of the woods the frost line is about 3' down. So, assuming that a house here has a 40x40 foot square footprint and the basement is 8' high:
Is it a good idea to insulate a room?
It might be a good idea to insulate. You might not feel cold/hot due to the outside temperature, but you most likely are wasting money on your heating/cooling bills. Just because you don't feel cold in a room, doesn't mean your not running the heater too much to keep it that way.
Can you put drywall over a curved stud wall?
If you do build the stud wall flush to the blocks, make sure that you at least leave enough room to accommodate any curves/bows in the block wall. You don't want to install drywall over a curved stud wall. :)
Why is insulation important in a basement?
Insulation is vital for concrete basement walls the basement hold the house’s furnace, water heaters, laundry machines, and essential utilities. Because they are naturally located below ground level, basements are mostly cool and damp. Basement walls made out of concrete, stone, concrete bloc, and other masonry foundation materials have very ...
What to wear when using fiberglass insulation?
Fiberglass insulation may irritate exposed skin areas; therefore, it is recommended to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and light work gloves. A respirator mask and safety goggles are also helpful.
Which is better insulation: fiberglass or foam?
Among the different types of insulation, fiberglass batt insulation is the easiest and cheapest. It is more efficient than foam insulation and not as messy as blown-in insulation.
