I finishing the basement of a 2 story house built in 1950. The ceiling is down and all the joist spaces are open. As I finish the basement and install a new ceiling, is there a good reason to insulate between the joists of the first floor? Will it make a significant difference the the warmth of the basement or first floor? Will it make a significant difference in the sound transmission?
Thanks,
Paul
Replies
You'll create more of a sound barrier than anything. You probably won't gain a lot by insulating the joist bays. I wouldn't waste the time.
If the basement is fully heated, consistently, with something other than floor heat, and you don't care about sound transmission, just insulate the Rims (outside joists, ends of joists).
-=Northeast Radiant Technology=-
Radiant Design, Consultation, Parts Supply
http://www.NRTradiant.com
As NRTRob say, rim joist are the ticket.
I might add that in a 1950 era home it would be a great time to seal all the penetrations from the basement to the first floor. Elimenating those air paths will improve the HVAC efficency in the basement and possibly even the rest of the home. The "stack effect" can move a lot of heat out of a house though small opening from the basement to the attic. Seal what you can, while you can.
Dave