Hello!
I am roughing out my basement with 2x4 walls just off poured concrete. Is there a requirement to insulate these walls for fire purposes? I live in Georgia if that helps.

Thanks!
Joe

 

joe30263,

Good Morning Joe! Just sent you a PM. As far as I am aware of, there is no "Fire Code" requirement to insulate basement walls. This is usually left up to owner on below grade issues. Only requirement is how one covers Rigid Insulation due to the toxic fumes it creates when subjected to fire. There are codes regarding this. You may want to check with your local Fire Marshall for confirmation.

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks Doug!

The basement is actually quite moderate in temperature, even in winter, so as long as there is no requirement I will probably not insulate. Your help is greatly appreciated, as usual!

Joe

 

There may not be a fire code for insulating, but in my area, the building codes require a minimum R11 insulation on basement walls. Better check with your building department.

 

John Nelson,

I am not aware of any requirement where it is mandatory to insulate basement walls below grade. You'd have to explain this one to me.

With the new International Residential Codes being used nationwide, no municipality can make changes or amendments to this. I agree that Joe should check to confirm but I do alot of design and drafting nationwide, this would be a first.

Just some thoughts

 

Joe and others,

Just to make sure I didn't say things wrong or for others not to misunderstand what John was referring to, there is no requirement to insulate the interior walls of an existing structure should you decide to finish it. There are however good reasons why you should for personal and economic benefits.

There is a requirement to insulate the exterior or option interior walls of a new structure. Most municaplities require R-7.5 on the exterior (2" Rigid) or use of Flame/Moisture Resistant Rigid adhesively applied to interior basement or crawls space perimeter walls. R-11 fiberglass insulation MINIMUM is the alternative to rigid on the inside of basements.

Hope this helps!

 

Doug, thanks for checking up on the insulation code for me! In my case, there is no insulation requirement, but in other cases it depends on permit issue date.

Joe

 

Doug, just FYI, here is a direct quote from the city handout entitled "Finishing a Basement": "A minimum of R-10 is required on all exterior walls below grade." This is in line with your recent post. Not sure how that might or might not conflict with the International Residential Codes.

 

John Nelson,

Correction noted, my typo, it is R-10 - 2" Rigid insulation on the EXTERIOR of the basement when building NEW HOMES. In addition, a MINIMUM of R-10 Rigid is required on additions, this can be applied to the interior of the crawl space with 1/2" drywall applied per Fire Code or on the exterior and properly protected for portion above grade. Alternate is use of R-11 Fiberglass but rigid is easier to work with. MOST municipalities will allow R-7.5 Rigid when applied directly to the interior of a basement for finishing. This is only 1 1/2" thick and when 2x stock is applied directly to the block, it makes finishing easier although not my recommendation. My comments are correct that R-11 Fiberglass is MINIMUM on the interior when finishing a basement but this is not required in alot of municipalities but is a good idea to do so when it becomes a climate controlled area.

Just FYI, all of this is subject to each muinicpality but most do comply with the new 2000 IRC codes to make it easier on consistency across the board, nationwide. It is a good idea to check with local building officials for confirmation.