[Craig2020]

I have rigid foam board in my basement attached directly to the brick walls. They used tap cons to and glue to attach the foam board to the basement wall. My wife and I would like to finish a section of the basement for a DIY project. There are no studs around the walls since they used tap cons and glue to attach the insulation. How do I attach drywall to the foam board? I know there is glue for that, but I wasn't sure how reliable that would be? Do I need to stud the entire basement to hang the drywall? Also, is foam board a vapor barrier or will I need to add that before doing any drywall?

Thanks!!

 

[Windows on Wash]

You planning on running wire? i.e. finishing the space to code?

The foam board should be covered though. Unless it has a thermal barrier on it it, it shouldn't be uncovered like that.

 

[Marson]

I have rigid foam board in my basement attached directly to the brick walls. They used tap cons to and glue to attach the foam board to the basement wall. My wife and I would like to finish a section of the basement for a DIY project. There are no studs around the walls since they used tap cons and glue to attach the insulation. How do I attach drywall to the foam board? I know there is glue for that, but I wasn't sure how reliable that would be? Do I need to stud the entire basement to hang the drywall? Also, is foam board a vapor barrier or will I need to add that before doing any drywall?

Thanks!!

You could get some 1x2 firring strips and fasten them to the foam with long tapcons. I did that once with 2" foam and it worked fine. You could cut grooves in the foam with something like an electric chain saw or a router and run wires in there. This is not that much different than a basement made out of ICF's (the foam blocks).

 

[Craig2020]

I only need to run wire along one of the walls I am finishing, so I am studding that wall for the sake of electric.

The house is only two years old so obviously inspected to code as far as the foam board goes.

 

[ront02769]

Foam have a shiny silver surface? That stuff basically doesn’t burn. That said, if you don’t mind losing a few inches, just put a two bye three stud wall in front and pushed against, fasten to floor and ceiling.

 

[ClarenceBauer]

Use RC-1 channels.

 

[Windows on Wash]

I only need to run wire along one of the walls I am finishing, so I am studding that wall for the sake of electric.

The house is only two years old so obviously inspected to code as far as the foam board goes.

If the foam as a thermal barrier on it, it would be code current. Nothing about the previous post indicated that or the build timetable on it.

I would still frame a wall out. No replacement for additional insulation, a secure substrate to fasten to, and the ability to easily run wire. I don't think you will miss the 4" of aggregate width or length.

 

[Bud9051]

Where are you and how thick is that foam board. Also, is it pink/blue or foil faced. Does it have a layer of plastic on the surface?

If it is just 1" thick then they probably intended for you to add studs and more insulation. Depends upon your climate and local codes.

If is a fire code that requires the rigid foam to be covered and the inspector signing off doesn't negate that safety factor. The drywall you are planning should be sufficient as long as all is covered.

Adding a 2x4 stud wall is actually the easiest as it provides the extra space if more insulation is needed and room for all wires.

Bud