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Here’s two easy ones for you guys.
1. I am finishing my entirely below grade basement. I am using 1 and 5/8″ metal studs, moisture resistant drywall. It is a dry basement, and it is heated. Should I insulate the inside of the block exterior walls? If so, would that include the wall above which starts my garage? Given all of the temperature gradients, should I put vapor barrier on the inside and outside (e.g., using polywrapped inslation)to cover air conditioning and heating issues?
One “school of thought” I’ve read about in this magazine is to just ignore all vapor barriers and insulation in this instance and let the moisture go where it needs to go, but I am confused by all the differing opinions on this issue.
2. What is the best way to seal off the top of my concrete block walls? My fundation is built (in 1978) with 12 inch open block, but the sill plate is only a 2 by 6, leaving openings through the block all the way down. Again, I have asked 5 people and been given 6 answers, all of which sound OK. I’m interested in what the best solution would be.
Thanks for your help.
Mark Righter
Replies
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Here's two easy ones for you guys.
1. I am finishing my entirely below grade basement. I am using 1 and 5/8" metal studs, moisture resistant drywall. It is a dry basement, and it is heated. Should I insulate the inside of the block exterior walls? If so, would that include the wall above which starts my garage? Given all of the temperature gradients, should I put vapor barrier on the inside and outside (e.g., using polywrapped inslation)to cover air conditioning and heating issues?
One "school of thought" I've read about in this magazine is to just ignore all vapor barriers and insulation in this instance and let the moisture go where it needs to go, but I am confused by all the differing opinions on this issue.
2. What is the best way to seal off the top of my concrete block walls? My fundation is built (in 1978) with 12 inch open block, but the sill plate is only a 2 by 6, leaving openings through the block all the way down. Again, I have asked 5 people and been given 6 answers, all of which sound OK. I'm interested in what the best solution would be.
Thanks for your help.
Mark Righter