Should I insulate the ceiling of my basement?
shorts
12 years ago
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bus_driver
12 years agoRelated Discussions
About to start my basement - vapor barrier and insulation Q's.
Comments (5)The most expensive but best insulating process is closed cell spray foam. For a large space, with ten foot ceilings it might be no more costly than board insulation. XPS is more labour intensive. For NYC, I'd use t&g 4'x8' x1" boards; if you can't find those, then use 2'x8'x1" t&g. Seal all the joints with building tape--Tuck and Tyvek and two popular brands. I've not used sealers, but a building writer whose information I've always found to be sound, swears by Drylok. (I assume this is not a rubble or brick foundation.) The advantage of steel framing is it's neater to put up (no sawdust) and there are no subsequent nail or screw pops. However, as it's sensitive to moisture, I'd have the baseplate resting on strips of XPS not only to create a thermal break but to keep it away from any minor floods that may occur. Since one inch of XPS is R 5, I always add high density fg batts, adding another R 15. No vapour barrier is necessary, though if this is a permit job, the inspector may insist on one. It wont' hurt anything. (See Building Science links in my first post.) After two years, a number of tiles cracked at pressure points on a brand new home I built. And that's with the tile on top of at least 10" of reinforced concrete and power tamped gravel. Since then, I figure it's a lot cheaper in the long run to use an uncoupling substrate such as Ditra. (If you dont', be sure to keep a lot of extra tiles just in case.) Ditra and cement add maybe 3/8" extra to the flooring height. NYC labour. My condolences!...See MoreCan I insulate between my floor and basement?
Comments (5)Yes, you can insulate between your floor joists, but ..... it's not the most cost-effective first insulation project if you're starting from no insulation. The best is the attic, and then make a huge effort to seal up air infiltration throughout the house (caulking, mostly). But you have another problem with your basment (aside from the squirrely foundation issues) and that's moisture vapor rising from the dirt. That you interupt with a good moisture retardant material laid directly on the dirt and well sealed at the foundation. You could also do an air infiltration barrier under the floor (without moisture control); staple it just under your joists it will help prevent cold air getting into your living space. It doesn't insulate, just blocks pressurized air from coming up. But I wouldn't do that until you had blocked moisture vapor at the soil level. The insulate the walls (of the cellar) first recommendation may not really apply to your situation, and anyway I have read here some comments suggesting that it might do some damage. (I have no opinion about that, I'm just passing info I've seen here.) But first, you need to get the bulge/settling problem sorted out and at least know what you must do. After that you can decide whether that project is going to happen soon, or will be put off indefinitely. Then it would be time to decide what else you want to do in that space: Moisture barrier on soil, infiltration barrier under joists and/or insulation between joists. If you chose to do it all, I would square away any electrical or plumbing changes (including insulating any water/drain pipes), insulate between joists, install air infiltration barrier and finally install the moisture barrier on the floor. In addition you need to think through your furnace/boiler arrangements. You may need to insulate the pipes or air ducts, as well. If you create a thermal break between the unheated cellar and the heated living space, you can create problem with your heating plant. I have no advice there as I don't have central heating. If you're just "itching" (LOL) to get some insulation installed, do the attic first, and soon, as the temps up there will get unbelieveable in just a few weeks. Or you could take a wait and see approach and resign yourself to having not the most energy efficient house while you experience a full year's life in the building and can make better choices based on what find. There's good counsel in taking a go-slow approach to old house care. Less of a risk of an inadvertent bad choice. BTW: my personal choice for between the joist insulation is rigid foam sheets. Molly~...See MoreDo I need to insulate ALL my basement walls?
Comments (5)If a room is "unconditioned" it should be insulated from any "conditioned" space that is adjacent to it or above (as required by the building code for new construction). Adjacent conditioned spaces do not need insulation in the walls or the floor-ceiling assemblies that separate them. If the adjacent rooms are not conditioned to the same temperature then insulation might help but wouldn't be critical or required by code....See MoreI want to build some bedrooms in my basement, should i get a permit?
Comments (4)You will need a permit. The bedrooms will need egress windows, insulation, electrical outlets, and on and on. There are numerous codes you must meet. Good luck in Queens. If you don't - you will not be able to sell the home - because the new owners will not be able to get a certificate of occupancy....See Moreshorts
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