Proper Insulation For Basement Ceiling

Insulation level are specified by r value.

Proper insulation for basement ceiling. Here are a few things to consider when installing interior basement wall insulation. Illustration by ian worpole. Energy efficiency isn t a common reason to insulate your basement but sound proofing is. Insulation will have to be weaved around and behind the various pipes and wires and then stapled into place.

Adding insulation cuts off this heat transfer. Prior to insulating the basement ceiling warmth is radiating from the heated first floor into the cooler basement space. When tom insulates a cathedral ceiling or a finished attic he also turns to foam. It doesn t protect the damp proof coating like exterior insulation does.

Hold the batts in place by stapling their paper faced vapor retarders to the lower edges of the joists. The truth is insulating a finished basement ceiling makes a lot of sense but not for the reasons you might expect. Many insulation types require a fire rated covering because they release toxic gases when ignited. How to insulate a basement ceiling and should i insulate the walls.

R value is the insulation s ability to resist heat flow. For basement ceilings batt or blanket insulation is the insulation of choice. Avoid expanded foam insulation the type that has little white beads pressed together when insulating basement walls because it isn t as durable and has a lower r value. Interior insulation reduces usable interior space by a few inches.

The type of insulation you should use depends on the purpose of the space being insulated. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. But unlike insulation in walls a basement ceiling is often lined with pipes wires and interconnected beams that will make insulating a ceiling a bit trickier. Start with getting any moisture issues under control then use water resistant insulation like closed cell spray foam or xps foam board.

As for material faced formaldehyde free fiberglass insulation is the safest for your home health and the environment. Extruded polystyrene foam can be yellow pink or blue depending on the manufacturer for insulating basement walls. If it is an unfinished basement in north america that you wish to insulate then an r value of 12 or higher is recommended. Start by gluing 3 4 inch extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Top 9 energy suckers. Your best option is insulating your exposed foundation walls. Sprayed against the underside of the roof deck it seals against air movement eliminating the need for a vapor barrier or ventilation.

First you ll have to maneuver batts of insulation around the clutter of wires pipes and cross bracing in a typical basement ceiling. Compounding that is the sealed combustion installation. With the right insulation ceiling tiles or sheetrock adding to the basement ceiling will help keep noise from transferring between levels.