Articles By Syndicated Columnist
Dan Thomas
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Improvement Inside And Out
Insulating
Your Basement
There are several reasons to
insulate your basement. It makes it more comfortable and will help to keep
the upper floor warmer.
You can purchase rigid foam is available in both polystyrene and
urethane. It is also know or referred to as plastic foam. It comes in
different thickness ranging from 1/2 " to 2 ".
I find that urethane costs a bit more but it is easier to work with and
is a better insulator.
Both polystyrene and urethane are flammable and you must cover it with
1/2" drywall. If wall paneling is your preference you must
still use drywall and then put the paneling over the drywall.
If
you do not want to have dry wall you need to build a regular 2x4 wall with
studs and use fiberglass insulation between the studs.
Start by taping up a plastic vapor barrier to keep out the moisture
that will seep into the basement.
The next step is to nail 1x3 strips vertically and horizontally
over the moisture barrier which
will now hold the vapor barrier in place.
First nail or screw on the horizontal strips spacing them so the
foam insulation or the fiberglass insulation will fit snuggly in between.
Your next step is to cut pieces to fit vertically between the
horizontal strips making sure to position them enabling them to
support the edges of the drywall.
Always be sure to use your straightedge and be sure to have some shims
on hand so that you can shim when
necessary to make sure the 1x3's are
give you a flat surface. You will also need a level to ensure your wood
strips are
plumb.
If you are using either the polyester or urethane then cut your panels
so that then will fit between the 1x3 studs. Here is a simple jig that I
make and use.
Screw a wide board to a narrow board. You guide the saw edge away from
the blade along the narrow board's edge. This is a lot easier than trying
to follow a drawn line and will also save you the time of drawing lines on
each piece.
Once
the panels are cut and placed between the studs you will have to tape them
in place until the drywall is screwed on. I recommend duct tape and this
is also great addition to any mans tool box.
Okay now we are ready for the drywall. place drywall on wall and screw
into place. Now tape and finish. If you are putting paneling over the
drywall then there is no need to tape and finish the drywall. Be sure to
use 3d nails for the paneling.
