Securing 2x4 Basement Walls

[howz]

I'm going with 2x4 walls to insulate my basement, but I have read and been told not to penetrate the cement walls and to leave the walls floating at the top in case the cement floor shifts. I have radiant heat in my floor so I can't nail there either. How will I secure my 2x4 walls?

[Doug Aleshire]

howz,

Rarely have I experienced any shifting of the basement slabs, at least not of any degree that would effect nailing the top plate to the bottom of the joists.

I would suggest some PL400 and adhesively apply this to the W/T bottom plate. If need be as this does work great, you could add a spacer behind the wall, like a 1x or 2x on edge - glue to block and floor. It won't move!

Hope this helps!

[howz]

Thanks Doug, it makes me feel better to here that. To be honest, I had never heard of the shifting issue until reading it on this site.
One question - what material should I use for the spacer? W/T, steel, metal ...

Thanks again.

[Doug Aleshire]

howz,

You're welcome!

I would use W/T - anytime wood is in contact with concrete - use W/T. This is easier and allows for great adhesion. Metal is too smooth.

Good Luck!

[howz]

Ok, will do ...

One last question. I have two carrying walls in my basement. The last stud on each is not treated and is about 1/4" from touching the cement wall. When I put my 2x4 insulated walls up, how do I address this problem? Would you spray a foam insulation in the 1/4" gap, put some fiberglass infront of the stud and vapor barrier it off?

Thanks again

[Doug Aleshire]

howz,

The foam would work out great, no need for vapor barriier.

You got it all figured out!

[howz]

I do now !!! As I said ... Thanks