Another basement insulation question
myriad
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
What does everybody think about using the standard; fiberglass insulation and super six vapour barrier under drywall, in a basement of a house (located in Toronto) where the exterior of the foundation was covered with Blueskin. Should I use 1″ styrofoam glued to the interior wall, studding on top with drywall, as was suggested several issues ago in FHB in the “Top 10 Mistakes Builders Make” article?? Seems to me if the exterior foundation is protected by a tar spray under Blueskin membrane, water that would normally leak from the outside (through osmosis) into the cavity between the insulation and the VB would not occur.
Thoughts anyone?
Replies
Is your foundation masonry, concrete or wood?
Are you sure you have blueskin membrane applied to your foundation and not one of the plastic outer layer system like platon?
We don't install blueskin over asphalt based coatings as a rule so you kinda have me confused.
Gabe
The foundation is masonry, and the block guy I use sprayed with tar before I could stop him. He didn't like using them new-fangled technologies; "We never used Blueskin in my day, etc., etc.!" But the Blueskin stuck to the wall like sh*t to a blanket!
I would use baseclad styrofoam, strap it to the wall using tapcons and cover with drywall.
The styrofoam will not only insulate but will act as a vapour barrier as well. Keep the drywall 3/4" off the floor also.
All should be fine.
BTW most blue skin is not meant to be exposed to the sun so I hope that you cover any exposed skin to protect it.
Gabe
I think you should go to http://www.buildingscience.com and search on "basement insulation". I just finished up a basement using Dr. Joe's methods, and I've never been more confident of having done it righ.
Andy
Arguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it.
aside from the confidence ...
it's a damn easy way to go too!
I ain't going back ...
sheet the walls ... tape the seams ... then have the steel stud framing hold the sheets up ...
quick and easy ... no messing with mechanicals and batts ...
and ... seems to be the best way too.
JeffBuck Construction, llc Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Aside from all the vapor and moisture reasons for doing it the right way, if you ever get a flood in your basement you won't be ripping out moldy insulation and studs. Use the foam panels and steel studs. It's easy, dry, long-lasting and it doesn't support mold. Make sure you use at least 1/2 inch gypsum over the foam for fire protection.
Billy