Proper Insulation For Basement Ceiling

The type of insulation you should use depends on the purpose of the space being insulated.

Proper insulation for basement ceiling.

Here are a few things to consider when installing interior basement wall insulation. How to insulate a basement ceiling and should i insulate the 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. Adding insulation cuts off this heat transfer.

Interior insulation reduces usable interior space by a few inches. Many insulation types require a fire rated covering because they release toxic gases when ignited. The truth is insulating a finished basement ceiling makes a lot of sense but not for the reasons you might expect. First you ll have to maneuver batts of insulation around the clutter of wires pipes and cross bracing in a typical basement ceiling.

As for material faced formaldehyde free fiberglass insulation is the safest for your home health and the environment. R value is the insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Start by gluing 3 4 inch extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls. Top 9 energy suckers.

For basement ceilings batt or blanket insulation is the insulation of choice. Start with getting any moisture issues under control then use water resistant insulation like closed cell spray foam or xps foam board. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

When tom insulates a cathedral ceiling or a finished attic he also turns to foam. Insulation will have to be weaved around and behind the various pipes and wires and then stapled into place. Let s take a closer look at insulating a finished basement ceiling for both temperature and noise protection. Hold the batts in place by stapling their paper faced vapor retarders to the lower edges of the joists.

It doesn t protect the damp proof coating like exterior insulation does. Prior to insulating the basement ceiling warmth is radiating from the heated first floor into the cooler basement space. Sprayed against the underside of the roof deck it seals against air movement eliminating the need for a vapor barrier or ventilation. 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.

Energy efficiency isn t a common reason to insulate your basement but sound proofing is. Extruded polystyrene foam can be yellow pink or blue depending on the manufacturer for insulating basement walls. 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. Your best option is insulating your exposed foundation walls.

But its open cell structure still allows moisture to escape. Illustration by ian worpole. Insulation level are specified by r value.