I've been told not to insulate the ceiling in my ground level, dry basement because it will block the heat from the basement going to the 1st floor. I was hoping to have the tiled floor in my kitchen warmer by the insultation from the basement ceiling, and also have the insultation provide a sound barrier. The ceiling will be a dropped. Should I have him insultate or not? Thanks!

 

rwm0622,

I personally see no benefit to insulating a ceiling as this will be a heated and/or cooled area. As long as your HVAC system is "balanced", you will want the home to be uniform in temp. Cold air returns and heat registers are critical. The lack of them in most basements, even finished basements has always fell victim to this "Why is my basement cooler than upstairs?" , when you want the heat down there to begin with. Unless you have specific needs like sound proofing, which if done correctly, will cost you! No other benefits can be obtained for the investment.

By the way, the tile floor will be cool regardless what you do below. Only way to warm that is to add radiant heat - electric panels or go with tubing (bad choice).

Try these links for more infor;

http://www.soundproofing.org/

http://www.usg.com/Design_Solutions/..._construct.asp

Hope these help!

 

I boxed off the basement ceiling below the kitchen and opened a hole in a heat duct. It also has a suspended ceiling down there.
The hole is only about 3 inches big.
I simply used ceiling tiles tacked to the joists resting them on the ceiling.
Noticed a big difference on the tile floor the next morning.

 

Hey thanks! Think I'll follow your advice and skip the insulation.
Really appreciate the quick answer on my first post!
You were a big help, Ruth

 

rwm0622,

Who was a help? willywhy had a good suggestion but I would want to check all other heat registers if you did a hole...it's amazing what a 3 hole can do! I worry about what heat doesn't get to lower level. Balancing sytem is important.

Glad advice helped!

 

Sorry Doug, I'm new to posting. I decided to take your advice Doug and not put up insulation, just the ceiling tiles. The supplier told me insulation wasn't necessary and you agree, so I'm going with that. So, thanks Doug!!

 

rwm0622,

You're very welcome! Don't be a stranger, we're here to help. By the way, Welcome to the Forum!! If you have questions, by all means ask. Everyone has something to contribute. It' the best way to learn more and do the things you thought you couldn't.

Glad we helped!