Greetings All,
I am working on drawing plans to have my basement finished and I have a question for the pros here at Breaktime.
What is the ideal method of framing and wall construction for a finished basement that properly accounts for moisture, insulation, etc? What is the ideal method for preparing the floor?
Should I consider using steel studs? What about insulation and vapor barriers? What about various sleeper systems on the floor or engineered subfloor systems?
My basement is 3 years new, poured concrete walls, poured slab with vapor barrier (no insulation under the slab or on the walls. 9 foot wall height. Basement has been dry for the 3 years I live here. Foundation perimeter drains routed to a sump pump seem to work well.
The interior walls will be drywalled and papered. Floor will be mostly carpeted, but I would like to use hardwood where I intend to put a billiard table.
Thanks in advance for your help. I always get good advice at breaktime.
Regards, BillB
Replies
I like metal studs for framing basements.....although I pop wood studs in at entrances where doors will be hung.
If your concrete floor is smooth and level, you may want to forego sleepers and subflooring.
A floating wood floor might be a good choice in your billiard room.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
I would start by reading the articles from Building Science on basements here:
http://www.buildingscience.com/resources/homeowner_resources
They will answer a lot of your questions.
You're off to a good start with a dry basement and working foundation drains, and you're right to be concerned about moisture and insulation.
Also look for an article on refinishing basements written by Andy Engel in Fine Homebuilding a few years ago. More folks will chime in.
Billy