do I need to frame my basement insulate with batt insulation?

y2chuck · 02-14-2010, 04:24 PM

I searched first, couldn't find the answer to this. Our basement is half-insulated with batt insulation. I wanted to insulate the bottom half with batt insulation but I don't know if I have to (or should) frame the basement.

I read this: http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...ts?full_view=1

It says it's most common to frame the basement and insulate between the studs, but I'm not ready to do this yet. I just wanted to insulate the bottom half before our 2nd energy audit is due in a couple months.

Bob Mariani · 02-14-2010, 06:26 PM

if you are not finishing the basement walls you can leave it alone. Do not use the batts you see on the top part for the bottom part. Air flow is different between these areas. Now for the energy issue. The top 2/3represents 70% of the heat loss. the bottom is only 30%. Sealing the rim joists with spray foam (only good method) will yield far greater value and energy savings. If you also want to save more fasten 2" rigid foam boards to the bottom section.

**Gary in WA** · 02-14-2010, 10:40 PM

I agree: http://www.quadlock.com/technical_li...Insulation.pdf

Be safe, Gary

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-15-2010, 09:13 AM

As stated: Use ridgid foam board. Use multiple layers to build up to the R-Value needed/thickness of walls. Use spray foam to seal edges and gaps.

02-14-2010, 04:24 PM	#1
y2chuck Newbie Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 1	do I need to frame my basement insulate with batt insulation? I searched first, couldn't find the answer to this. Our basement is half-insulated with batt insulation. I wanted to insulate the bottom half with batt insulation but I don't know if I have to (or should) frame the basement. I read this: http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...ts?full_view=1 It says it's most common to frame the basement and insulate between the studs, but I'm not ready to do this yet. I just wanted to insulate the bottom half before our 2nd energy audit is due in a couple months.

02-14-2010, 06:26 PM	#2
Bob Mariani Remodeling Contractor Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sandy Hook, CT Posts: 3,590	do I need to frame my basement insulate with batt insulation? if you are not finishing the basement walls you can leave it alone. Do not use the batts you see on the top part for the bottom part. Air flow is different between these areas. Now for the energy issue. The top 2/3represents 70% of the heat loss. the bottom is only 30%. Sealing the rim joists with spray foam (only good method) will yield far greater value and energy savings. If you also want to save more fasten 2" rigid foam boards to the bottom section.

02-14-2010, 10:40 PM	#3
Gary in WA Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 8,848	do I need to frame my basement insulate with batt insulation? I agree: http://www.quadlock.com/technical_li...Insulation.pdf Be safe, Gary __________________ Clothes taking longer to dry? Clean the dryer screen in HOT water if using fabric softener sheets. They leave a residue that impedes air-flow, costing you money. Clean the ducting in the last six months? 17,000 dryer fires annually!

02-15-2010, 09:13 AM	#4
AtlanticWBConst. Lic. Builder/GC/Remodeler Join Date: May 2006 Location: New England Posts: 7,554	do I need to frame my basement insulate with batt insulation? As stated: Use ridgid foam board. Use multiple layers to build up to the R-Value needed/thickness of walls. Use spray foam to seal edges and gaps. __________________ - Build Well -

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do I need to frame my basement insulate with batt insulation?