my last try to get anyones opinon ……
Twofold question …..
I have a walk out basement in the planning stage to refinish. The original builder insulated the outside walls with R-19 non-
faced fiberglass insulation and used the CertainTeed MemBrain
permeable vapor barrier (Refer to FH Issue 165-Aug/Sep04 page 38)
I want to reduced my engery cost by keeping the basement cooler in the summer and for sure warmer in the winter. I was advised it was ok to keep the the present insulation with the Certain Teed MemBrain in place and install the R+Heatshield III solid aluminum foil right over the MemBrain. Than run 1×2 furring strips over the foil which will give me a 3/4″ air space after the wallboard is installed. This solid aluminum foil is 1.4 mil thick with a impermeable rating of 0.001. This will give me a good vapor and radiant barrier.
In conjunction with the above; after just reading “No-Mold Finish Basement ” in this months issue of FH (top of page 82). Would it also be worth my while to remove the present insulation in the joist bays and place the 2″ EPS in each bay, then replace the insulation. Or, leave the insulation in place and just put the EPS over the insulation, then fit each bay with the radiant barrier. Or just forget about the EPS all together and install the radiant barrier over the insulation in each bay.
I realize there’s a lot to digest ,,,, but i would value some more field opinons before we start this job. Thank you ahead of time for all your imput on this.
Replies
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"Live Free,
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woody,
Well, let's try'er one more time here.
be choked
"Live Free,
not Die"
thanks for your interest in getting someone the respond.
maybe if you could post it under constructions tech. i can'st seem to get under this topic.
in either case, if no one responds now i'll just go ahead with the way i describe it in my questionthanks again .....
Well since enough times gone by and the regulars haven't put forth an opinion I'll put forth an opinion myself from a nonprofessional viewpoint if you'll have me.
As an outside basement wall I take it we are talking poured concrete or concrete block?
And as a walkin basement are we talking about the whole of your perimeter and not just the above ground wall area?
Concerns over that much basement insulation must mean you are in a heavy heating area as the north?
On the opinion view now I would say I can't see using fiberglass up against your concrete walls like that if that perception of the scenario is accurate. Are we talking fiberglass batts? Are they touching the concrete walls or are they away within a studded wall?
Seeing the planned goodly involvement of your project I would recommend removing all traces of fiberglass batts in that basement and applying the foilbacked 2 inch foamboard taping the seams.
What area of the country is the house?
Personally I feel the foil radiant barriers standing alone are way overhyped as to performing for you. I'd put the trust in the foamboard.
"Live Free,
not Die"