Basement insulation question
#1
10-10-13, 01:17 PM
Basement insulation question
I'm told that I need to insulate my outer walls in my basement, as well as any areas where "horizontal meets vertical". I'm not really sure how to do that part. I don't understand what it means exactly. Could someone help me understand what I'm supposed to insulate and how?
#3
10-10-13, 05:54 PM
In our climate insulation in a below grade basement is redundant. Our soil temperature stays comfortable and you aren't insulating against any extremes when you are below grade. Now, if you have a walk out, then the walls exposed to the atmosphere need to be insulated as well as ALL your joist/rim bays. I think that is what they were talking about.
#4
10-11-13, 10:02 AM
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No basement insulation if in south GA, as Chandler said. Central requires R5/13 and north requires R-10/13, per State Energy Code; 2009 IECC Climate Zone Map - Georgia
Is this a new basement or existing? Who gave the information? The "horizontal" may be the slab at R-10 for 2' in.....Zone 4.
Gary
Is this a new basement or existing? Who gave the information? The "horizontal" may be the slab at R-10 for 2' in.....Zone 4.
Gary
#5
10-11-13, 02:07 PM
Gary, I am in north GA and the OP is in Atlanta, so there is some difference, and although the climate zone map indicates a bunch of insulation is needed, it really isn't needed with 70 degree soil at depth. That is why geothermal heat/cool works so well here. Constant bearable temperature of the return water stays stable. Basement wall insulation is way overstated for our area, but I do it on remodels if the customer wants it for a warm and fuzzy, no problem.
#6
10-11-13, 08:50 PM
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Yes, I was just showing the State requirements, if the OP follows that or not is up to him.... like a road speed limit -- follow it for safety except if you accident- it may effect others; in your basement, it only effects you. Foamboard is not so much for insulation in the south as it is for moisture coming through the wall below grade. You may be fine, or get mold/mildew.... Here is his State requirements, pp.23, 24;http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...Gk3U_U3ewgniTg Nice info on air sealing as well.
Gary
Gary
#7
10-14-13, 11:10 AM
Yes, I'm actually in Cobb county, just outside of Atlanta. I was hoping to not use wall insulation, since the basement walls are for the most part below grade. My concern is the "horizontal meets vertical" part. I'm new to this and I'm not sure what that means.
