Hello,
This is my first post to DIY Chatroom. I am looking forward to hearing some informed opinions on my questions.
I have a split-level 1979 raised bungalow home in cold Quebec that I am doing a lot of energy-efficiency retrofits to. One problem area was the ground level entry room that led to the stairs up and down, as well as the garage.
I gutted the area. There was no insulation in the walls between the living area and garage. I built up the 2x4's with 2x2 so that I could put R-19 fiberglass batt with a vapour barrier, and I changed out the door to the garage. Vapour barrier wrapped all electrical outlets and spray foamed and tuck taped.
The last problem area is the persistently cold floors. I ripped out the existing tiles (which came off without breaking with minimal effort, horrible installation job). Below were the original tiles which required much more effort. This was thin set on 1/4" plywood on top of 1/2" plywood. Despite the poor installation techniques, the tiles were in good shape. The floor was solid and did not creak or crack.
Now that it's all exposed I see that the floor is a concrete slab with 2x4 "joists" (I use that term loosely with 2x4s) spanning the width. The 2x4's are supported on either end by raised concrete and a 2x4 laid on the slabs. As you can see in the pictures there are 2x4's placed on the slabs directly that I presume were used for support and the shims used for leveling.
Now that my life story is out of the way, I am debating how to go about insulating the floor. There were never any moisture problems (at least during my ownership over the last 6 years).
My initial thought process is to lay down XPS foamboard, tuck taping the seams. Unfortunately I'll have to cut down 2x8 sheets to 1x8s to fit them under the "joists". I'll then spray foam the small header all around and call it a day.
However I have questions regarding what material to use. Should I lay the foamboard on top of a membrane like Delta-FL to allow for he slab to "breathe," or can I just lay the board right on the floor.
Another question, can I save a couple bucks by using expanded polystyrene instead of extruded? I know EPS isn't as good a vapour barrier as XPS. So from cheapest to most expensive, should I go EPS only? EPS with Delta-FL? XPS? or XPS with Delta-FL?
And since I'm posting, might as well pose my next question... best underlayment system for the tiles? OSB? ply? How thick? How many layers? Is Ditra (or similar) necessary for a 'dry' room (quite pricey here in Canada).
Thanks for your help!!!
This is my first post to DIY Chatroom. I am looking forward to hearing some informed opinions on my questions.
I have a split-level 1979 raised bungalow home in cold Quebec that I am doing a lot of energy-efficiency retrofits to. One problem area was the ground level entry room that led to the stairs up and down, as well as the garage.
I gutted the area. There was no insulation in the walls between the living area and garage. I built up the 2x4's with 2x2 so that I could put R-19 fiberglass batt with a vapour barrier, and I changed out the door to the garage. Vapour barrier wrapped all electrical outlets and spray foamed and tuck taped.
The last problem area is the persistently cold floors. I ripped out the existing tiles (which came off without breaking with minimal effort, horrible installation job). Below were the original tiles which required much more effort. This was thin set on 1/4" plywood on top of 1/2" plywood. Despite the poor installation techniques, the tiles were in good shape. The floor was solid and did not creak or crack.
Now that it's all exposed I see that the floor is a concrete slab with 2x4 "joists" (I use that term loosely with 2x4s) spanning the width. The 2x4's are supported on either end by raised concrete and a 2x4 laid on the slabs. As you can see in the pictures there are 2x4's placed on the slabs directly that I presume were used for support and the shims used for leveling.
Now that my life story is out of the way, I am debating how to go about insulating the floor. There were never any moisture problems (at least during my ownership over the last 6 years).
My initial thought process is to lay down XPS foamboard, tuck taping the seams. Unfortunately I'll have to cut down 2x8 sheets to 1x8s to fit them under the "joists". I'll then spray foam the small header all around and call it a day.
However I have questions regarding what material to use. Should I lay the foamboard on top of a membrane like Delta-FL to allow for he slab to "breathe," or can I just lay the board right on the floor.
Another question, can I save a couple bucks by using expanded polystyrene instead of extruded? I know EPS isn't as good a vapour barrier as XPS. So from cheapest to most expensive, should I go EPS only? EPS with Delta-FL? XPS? or XPS with Delta-FL?
And since I'm posting, might as well pose my next question... best underlayment system for the tiles? OSB? ply? How thick? How many layers? Is Ditra (or similar) necessary for a 'dry' room (quite pricey here in Canada).
Thanks for your help!!!