Insulating your basement

Ideally you should provide for ceilings that are at least eight feet high, from floor to ceiling joists. That will allow space for wiring and plumbing.
Difficulty level :
Tools list
Material list
Virtual Decorator
Project guide service
Paint calculator
Wallpaper calculator
Drywall calculator
Basement framing calculator
Insulation
Carpet or linoleum
Related Projects
Related Tips
Page 1/1
1. Clean the walls
2. Insulation
3. Frame the walls
4. Finish the walls

1. Clean the walls

Clean concrete walls using a push broom to remove any loose dirt or cobwebs.

2. Insulation

Insulate with 51-mm (2 in.) thick extruded polystyrene panels with a 1.74 RSI and R-10 insulation values. You'll need to ensure the panels are clean and dry, and cut them carefully using a saw or a plasterboard knife, making sure you allow for openings and irregularities such as floor and ceiling joists.

2.1 

Use a suitable adhesive to glue the insulation panels to the walls. Then seal the panel joints with vapour-barrier tape.

3. Frame the walls

Frame the walls using 38-mm × 64-mm (2 in. × 3 in.) wood studs every 405 mm (16 in. ) or 610 mm (24 in.), centre to centre.

4. Finish the walls

Before proceeding with the installation of the finishing panel, be sure to provide wiring for electrical outlets and switches. Then install finishing panels (drywall, pre-finished panelling, tongue and groove boards, etc.) to the wood studs. If you choose drywall, use 1 1/4" drywall screws rather then nails to lessen nail pop.

A non-combustable product should be use to prevent toxic fumes from a fire that would melt the foamboard. Another wall covering could be used layered over a non-combustible barrier.

4.1 

Bear in mind that you may have some cutting to do to accommodate ceiling and floor joists, as with the insulation panels.

4.2 

Temporarily tack top drywall panels to the studs using nails, then screw them into place with drywall screws.
Page 1/1