Partially finishing basement

nrpalm · 02-05-2008, 05:11 AM

I'm looking to semi-finish my basement. I'll admit I don't know a lot about remodeling/construction but I'll have help throughout the process from one of my friends who has done construction all his life. What I'd like to do is put studs on the walls, paint the ceiling and be done with it. Nothing fancy just make it look nicer than concrete walls with no outlets. I bought some foam insulation from HD the other day and cut it all to size for around the walls. I've been doing some research about moisture in basements and it sounds like it can turn into a pretty nasty problem. I have never had a problem with moisture on the walls in my basement (the walls are poured, house was built in the 50's). In the summer we keep a dehumidifier running because the water main does get a little wet without it (with it running its bone dry). I guess my question is this; I was planning on sealing the foam to the concrete walls to create a moisture barrier, then putting studs up. Some posts I've read (not sure if it was from this site or another) say that you should leave it loose and allow a gap to let the concrete breath. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Chris Johnson · 02-05-2008, 05:28 AM

You can place the foam directly against the concrete without any problems, however, you can't leave the foam exposed, it must be covered i.e. drywall on the walls.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-05-2008, 06:27 AM

What Chris said...

yummy mummy · 02-05-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrpalm

I'm looking to semi-finish my basement. I'll admit I don't know a lot about remodeling/construction but I'll have help throughout the process from one of my friends who has done construction all his life. What I'd like to do is put studs on the walls, paint the ceiling and be done with it. Nothing fancy just make it look nicer than concrete walls with no outlets. I bought some foam insulation from HD the other day and cut it all to size for around the walls. I've been doing some research about moisture in basements and it sounds like it can turn into a pretty nasty problem. I have never had a problem with moisture on the walls in my basement (the walls are poured, house was built in the 50's). In the summer we keep a dehumidifier running because the water main does get a little wet without it (with it running its bone dry). I guess my question is this; I was planning on sealing the foam to the concrete walls to create a moisture barrier, then putting studs up. Some posts I've read (not sure if it was from this site or another) say that you should leave it loose and allow a gap to let the concrete breath. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

If I can do it, anybody can.

Do whatever Atlantic says. He's an expert. I'm one of his groupies.

nrpalm · 02-06-2008, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Johnson

You can place the foam directly against the concrete without any problems, however, you can't leave the foam exposed, it must be covered i.e. drywall on the walls.

I get that part, I guess what I was asking is if you would seal the foam to the concrete with liquid nails/caulking or leave it just set against the wall with the studs holding it up.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-06-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrpalm

I get that part, I guess what I was asking is if you would seal the foam to the concrete with liquid nails/caulking or leave it just set against the wall with the studs holding it up.

If installing the wall and framing directly against the concrete:
I suggest that you use PT lumber. Attach the rigid foam with liquid nail (construction adhesive) to the concrete.
Install no vapor barrier.
Install paperless Drywall.
http://www.gp.com/BUILD/product.aspx?pid=4659

If framing the walls with a space between the concrete foundation walls, then you can install the rigid foam to the concrete, the same way, using const. adh.

For the walls, you can use PT sill plates and KD studs.
I still suggest that you use paperless drywall on at least the lower 4' of the walls (In case of a plumbing leak, Hot water tank failure, etc...).