Insulating Framed basement walls
#1
05-09-01, 09:48 AM
Any help is appreaciated.
I am planning on finishing my basement, we have no water problems to speak of, and the basement walls are painted concrete. I want to build a framed 2x4 wall against the exterior walls and need a few questions answered as to how to insulate.
I am planning on using fiberglass insulation in between the studs but have heard I should leave a gap between the framed wall and concrete. Should I also leave a gap between the insulation and the concrete or place insulation right up against the concrete?
I have also heard insulation should not be installed all the way to the floor on below grade basements? Is this true? Most advice does not mention this this but I want to be sure.
I will be installing a plastic vapor barrier on the interior facing of the stud wall, but I need to install several outlets in the walls. How do I keep the integrity of the vapor barrier when I will be cutting holes in it for the outlets?
Many thanks
Kris
I am planning on finishing my basement, we have no water problems to speak of, and the basement walls are painted concrete. I want to build a framed 2x4 wall against the exterior walls and need a few questions answered as to how to insulate.
I am planning on using fiberglass insulation in between the studs but have heard I should leave a gap between the framed wall and concrete. Should I also leave a gap between the insulation and the concrete or place insulation right up against the concrete?
I have also heard insulation should not be installed all the way to the floor on below grade basements? Is this true? Most advice does not mention this this but I want to be sure.
I will be installing a plastic vapor barrier on the interior facing of the stud wall, but I need to install several outlets in the walls. How do I keep the integrity of the vapor barrier when I will be cutting holes in it for the outlets?
Many thanks
Kris
#2
05-09-01, 05:51 PM
Member
Q: Should I also leave a gap between the insulation and the concrete or place insulation right up against the concrete?
A: Not really necessary if the concrete stays dry. However, if you're using standard insulation designed for 2x4 walls, and if your 2x4 wall has a gap to the foundation, then you'll naturally get the gap with the insulation too.
Q: I have also heard insulation should not be installed all the way to the floor on below grade basements? Is this true?
A: I think you can safely ignore this advice. On the other hand, you can safely follow it too if you want. The insulation will sit on top of the sole plate anyway, so it's already 1.5" from the floor.
Q: How do I keep the integrity of the vapor barrier when I will be cutting holes in it for the outlets?
A: As best you can. Perfect integrity is never possible. If you use a router to cut the outlet holes in the drywall, this can cut the plastic at the same time. This will get a pretty tight fit.
A: Not really necessary if the concrete stays dry. However, if you're using standard insulation designed for 2x4 walls, and if your 2x4 wall has a gap to the foundation, then you'll naturally get the gap with the insulation too.
Q: I have also heard insulation should not be installed all the way to the floor on below grade basements? Is this true?
A: I think you can safely ignore this advice. On the other hand, you can safely follow it too if you want. The insulation will sit on top of the sole plate anyway, so it's already 1.5" from the floor.
Q: How do I keep the integrity of the vapor barrier when I will be cutting holes in it for the outlets?
A: As best you can. Perfect integrity is never possible. If you use a router to cut the outlet holes in the drywall, this can cut the plastic at the same time. This will get a pretty tight fit.
