DIY Home Improvement Forum banner

Basement insulation

1327 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  Gary in WA
Unfortunately hurricane Sandy forced me into a complete basement remodel. My basement has a poured concrete foundation which I would like to spray with Ames Blue Max while I have everything exposed. After applying the blue max (which forms a vapor barrier), what kind of insulation would everyone suggest? Should I use a rigid foam? The basement usually stays dry, the only way I got water in was because my Whole neighborhood flooded and our sewers backed up.

Thank you in advance
1 - 1 of 5 Posts
Is the waterproofing mainly for peace of mind, another future similar incident? I'd spend the money on foamboard rather than a vapor barrier. Foam board, thick enough to prevent condensation is suggested by BSC: http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0202-basement-insulation-systems

If near New Brunswick, NJ, your average annual low temps are 46* above grade. Without any f.b, just R-13 cavity in a wood frame wall, at 70* you'd be good to 46%RH. R-5 (1"f.b.) =good to 55%RH, 2" (R-10)= 60%RH.

Have you figured your heat loss/savings yet: http://www.quadlock.com/technical_library/bulletins/R-ETRO_Value_of_Basement_Insulation.pdf

Page 69, and find your wall make-up: http://www.buildingscience.com/docu...merica-high-r-foundations-case-study-analysis

Gary
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 1 of 5 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top