XPS, Balloon Frame, Air Infiltration Q’s
Happy New Year,
I’m in the process of (re)finishing the basement of my 1936 balloon-framed, block-foundation cape. Work done previous to our ownership included the building of 2×4 studwalls and placement of fiberglass batts. The batts have since become cozy living spaces for mice, so I’m also working to reduce/eliminate the air/insect/critter infiltration issues as well.
In order to reduce the air-infiltration I’m considering using treated XPS, cut to size, both vertically against the rim joist and horizontally against the underside of the subfloor to cover the hole leading up the stud cavity to the first floor. These would be set in place with construction adhesive and sealed to the joists with foam (e.g. Great Stuff)
Also, I am considering ripping out the old stud walls and using XPS directly against the interior block foundation walls, topped with furring strips and .5 inch drywall (like the diagram in the recent article in FWW about insulation).
Thoughts/Opinions/Warnings?
Thanks,
Scott