We’re finishing our raised ranch dry basement. What’s best for insulation and construction of the walls? This basement is totally unfinished so many techniques would be possible. I’ve noticed that there’s a wall board without the paper and wondered if that would be the preferred choice. Fiberglass or rigid insulation? Can tile be applied directly to the slab?
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Faljal,
Welcome to BT. I would suggest that you start your information gathering by using the Search function (right hand corner of this screen) since there have been hundreds of conversations here over the years about finishing basements. I would also recommend picking up a few books on the subject, Taunton Press has a few good ones. If after reading all of that information, you still have specific questions post them here so some of the great professionals that hang out here can help. In order to get these guys to come out and play, you have to show that you’ve done the basics.
Lots of Luck with this great project.
Ryan
I use metal studs or hat track for the walls. Hat track is fastened directly to the foundation wall, I do not use it if the walls are not straight or the homeowner wants maxium insulation. If I use metal studs, I usually use 1 1/2" with lathers channel thru the center punchouts. Then screw scraps of rock to the side of the studs and back to the foundation wall.This makes a strong wall with almost no flex, even though the studs are only 1 1/2".Drywall is screwed on with 1 1/8" screws.
I have used wood studs, when asked to. I still use the metal channel plates instead of wood.I generally use unfaced bats between the studs, foil paper taped to the studs.I mainly use the foil paper because I have tons of it left over from a large commercial job I ran years ago.Any vapor barrier will do.
As far as the floor covering, as far as I know almost any tile can be installed directly on clean concrete, there are mastics vinyl and thinset for ceramic tiles .Check adhesive directions for applications.
mike