How Do I Start My Basement Walls

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10-08-04, 08:13 PM

Midicat

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How Do I Start My Basement Walls

I am planning our 7 year old basement. The outside walls are covered with a 48" wide combination poly and insulation roll and power nailed to the walls from the ceiling joists down to just below the frost line. (I'm in Ontario, Canada). My question is...How do I build my outside walls? Is there anything I have to do before I build? Do I butt the walls up to the poly or leave a space? Do I need to insulate the walls I build? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

Midicat

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10-09-04, 07:29 AM

John Nelson

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I would build my wall so that it firmly touches but not compresses the existing insulation. Touching the existing insulation will create a horizontal firestop behind the wall, but not compressing it will preserve its insulating value. Then I would add more insulation to the stud wall before drywalling, especially if your basement is currently cold or very cool in the winter.

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10-09-04, 04:51 PM

twelvepole

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Basement Finishing

Check with your local building codes office for information and permits. Building codes tend to vary from area to area but all fall under the National Building Codes of Canada. Permits are required for finishing a basement. If a bedroom is going to be in the basement, it will require egress.

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10-09-04, 05:21 PM

Midicat

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The Basement Environment

Thank you very much for your replies folks, it is greatly appreciated. While I have not yet applied for permits (still drawing layouts) I have decided not to insulate the walls I build since the basement is actually coldest in the summer months with the air conditioning running (cold air falls you know). The winter months are comfortable right now and that's with bare concrete walls. I am considering laminate flooring with a new roll cork underlayment and vapour barrier. Has anyone had any experience with the cork product before?

You have really helped me to move forward more quickly with my design ideas and for that I am very thankful.

Regards,

Midicat

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