Insulation Solutions: Interior Wall Insulation

Making use of insulation solutions in your home helps you save a lot of money and it reduces unnecessary heat loss. Keep in mind that a basement insulation project such as this may need a permit in some places. For this reason, make sure that you call the local permit office and ask whether you actually need a permit.

An insulated basement enhances the overall home comfort. It will also take you less time than before to cool or heat up your basement if it is insulated. Apart from helping you save money and energy, insulation absorbs the transmission of sound waves.

Step 1 – Installing the Insulation

Before actually installing the insulation onto the wall of your basement, use a damp towel to clean your wall first and let it dry thoroughly. Now install the insulation made of polystyrene onto the wall. Keep in mind that this primary cleaning will make it less likely for mold to grow over the wall of your basement.

Fix the polystyrene insulation with an adhesive, applying it beneath the insulation itself. Use an appropriate tape on the polystyrene seams to protect the insulation and the basement wall from moisture.

Step 2 – Framing the Wall

Now it is time to start framing the wall. Utilize composite decking for the beam at the bottom. Make sure that the decking is treated with some kind of water repellent to serve as protection against floods or water leaks from pipes.

Put the composite decking along your basement floor and use a nail gun to fasten it into place. Put a pressure-treated bottom plate on the side of the composite decking. This will stand on the bottom beam when you raise the wall frame.

Step 3 – Attaching the Beams

Fix the 2 by 4 beams to the bottom plate with nails. Drive the nails into the bottom plate at a minimum depth of half an inch. Make sure that you have a beam on all ends of the bottom plate. The local construction codes determine the distance of the beams from one another, but this distance is approximately 12 inches in most cases. Use nails to fix a top plate on the row of beams at the open edge. Make sure that you drive the nail at a minimum depth of half an inch here as well.

Step 4 – Installing the Wall Frame

Elevate the top plate and raise your wall frame onto the composite decking. Check that the frame is straight with a builder’s level. Use nails and a hammer to fasten the frame securely into place.

You can add extra insulation between the beams. Make sure that you are wearing appropriate clothing and safety equipment i.e. gloves, goggles, long sleeves as well as a respirator. Install drywall and fasten it firmly onto the beams with drywall screws.