Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Finishing my basement. Insulate? Vapor barrior?
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Sprocket
03-11-04, 03:05 PM
Not sure where to start. My house was built in the 50s. I want to finish half of it. The walls on the half I want to finish are pretty dry, and there is already tiles on the floor.
For starters I want to insulate the walls of the finished room. I guess my question would be if I want to insulate the outer cement walls what is the best way to go? I've had a 100 different opinions. I want to put up sheet rock for one thing. I was told to frame away from the wall to keep airflow out to the unfinished part of the basement, and I've been told just use foam insulation against the wall. Ideas?
Now, If I use foam insulation do I put up vapor barrior or not? Inside or outside the framed wall?
If I use regular insulation, do I need vapor barrior on the outside of the framed wall and under sheetrock side?
I would also like to save money by using metal studs. how do I tac the insulation to metal studs?
Thx
Sorry Im all over the place.
For starters I want to insulate the walls of the finished room. I guess my question would be if I want to insulate the outer cement walls what is the best way to go? I've had a 100 different opinions. I want to put up sheet rock for one thing. I was told to frame away from the wall to keep airflow out to the unfinished part of the basement, and I've been told just use foam insulation against the wall. Ideas?
Now, If I use foam insulation do I put up vapor barrior or not? Inside or outside the framed wall?
If I use regular insulation, do I need vapor barrior on the outside of the framed wall and under sheetrock side?
I would also like to save money by using metal studs. how do I tac the insulation to metal studs?
Thx
Sorry Im all over the place.
blindrid
03-11-04, 03:58 PM
There are more opinions on the vapor barrier questions in basements that you care to hear. Ideally, a moisture retarder is painted on to prevent any potential seepage, frame the wall with barrier on inside. (Heated side)
As to metal, the insulation is normally friction fit. Price of steel went up a few weeks ago, don't know what it did to lightweight studs. Might doublecheck.
I know there are a lot of people that really like metal but I still resist (OK-call me old fashioned) using metal as to ease to hang trim, future items i.e. hanging pictures etc.
Whichever way you choose, good luck and happy framing.
As to metal, the insulation is normally friction fit. Price of steel went up a few weeks ago, don't know what it did to lightweight studs. Might doublecheck.
I know there are a lot of people that really like metal but I still resist (OK-call me old fashioned) using metal as to ease to hang trim, future items i.e. hanging pictures etc.
Whichever way you choose, good luck and happy framing.
Sprocket
03-12-04, 06:54 AM
Thx for the reply! You have been helpful.
Should I go with rigid or rolled r13 insulation?
Should I leave an air gap between the wall and the framing?
Thx
Should I go with rigid or rolled r13 insulation?
Should I leave an air gap between the wall and the framing?
Thx
Ed Imeduc
03-12-04, 07:55 AM
We hang a 4 mil poly V/B on the cement walls. then wood or steel studs set on a P/T bottom plate 1" out from the cement. R- 13 roll paper side to the room. A V/B poly over this then the drywall. with the steel studs duct tape will hold up the insulation till you drywall
ED;)
ED;)
glimbaugh
03-12-04, 08:30 AM
I agree with blindrid you will get a lot of differing opinions on how to insulate. The method that Ed described has been considered an industry norm for years. However recent research suggests that this method of a double vapor barrier may actually trap water in between walls if there is every a leak.
The first thing I would suggest to talk to your local building department. They will be able to tell you what is acceptable for your area of the country. Those requirements may help narrow the choices since all products may not be able to meet your are's requirements for R value.
The first thing I would suggest to talk to your local building department. They will be able to tell you what is acceptable for your area of the country. Those requirements may help narrow the choices since all products may not be able to meet your are's requirements for R value.