[fitzw]

My current basement has styrofoam "bead board" glued to the concrete wall and framed with 2x3 in which drywall is hung. I would like to add a r12 fiberglass batten insulation to the framing and cover. should i rip out the 2X3 and repalce with a 2X4 framing to accomadate r12 fiberglass batten? or just use the 2X3?

thanks

 

[Bob Mariani]

Spray foam will be the best solution since your other choice is subject to moisture damage in a basement. Or use 2" rigid foam between the studs.

 

[concretemasonry]

fitz -

Without knowing where you are, why would you want to do that? - Normally, it is the worst place to spend money and effort on energy on insulation. - the soil is at least 55F and you probably have as much floor area (uninsulated) as the wall area. You also lose the summer benfits if you A?C.

Dick

 

[fitzw]

?

I live on the east coast of canada (newfoundland) and lots of people insulate there basement wall up to about r15.. are you saying that it is better just to insulate the floor?

thanks for the interest

fitz

 

[concretemasonry]

I am not saying do not insulate, but put the time and effort where it will do the most to save money and energy.

A basement, because of its location is actually an semi-conditioned space, while the above grade portion of a home is conditioned space and the outside is unconditioned.

Here, when it is -20F with 20 mph wind, the soil surrounding the basement walls is still about 55F average or minimum depending on the location. In the summer, when it is 90F , it is cooler than the exterior.

Thinking that insulating the complete basement wall like an above grade wall is rediculous and you still have a cool (not cold) floor.

I condition the air in my basement because of the home layout and to create a uniform condition in the home. If I closed off my lower area (supply and return), my AC costs go up in the summer. - I don't benefit from the moderating effects of the soil.

It all depends on you location and layout. Because of the variability of the weather above grade AND the wind/infiltration, it is better to spend money there (above grade).

The fancy term refers to diminishing returns from over-insulation. - You spend more than you will save in the end.

Dick

 

[choda_boy_04]

Definitely build out the wall with 2x4, that is pretty much standard in Canada. I just recently built out my foundation walls with 2x4 24"oc. I live in Grande Prairie Alberta, I can tell a huge difference in comfort when I come downstairs. If money wasn't an issue, I would have used 2" Rigid Foam, and I would have also insulated the floor with that foiled bubble wrap, it reflects the heat back into the building and also the reflects the cold back out. The bubble wrap is not cheap tho, if your going to be living in your house for a long period of time it might work out in the end to be cost effective.

Check it out.... http://www.radiantguard.com/BubbleInsulation.html

Hope this helps
Cody

 

[HABSFAN2006]

My current basement has styrofoam "bead board" glued to the concrete wall and framed with 2x3 in which drywall is hung. I would like to add a r12 fiberglass batten insulation to the framing and cover. should i rip out the 2X3 and repalce with a 2X4 framing to accomadate r12 fiberglass batten? or just use the 2X3?

thanks

very simple solution here, if you do what i did in my basement.
leave a 1" gap between your styrofoam board and 2x3 studs.
and r12 riberglass can be installed. that's it.
advantages are many, as wood won't be touching the styrofoam should it ever get wet with condensation, my roames is passed behind the studs,
only cliped in every 6-8feet, so no drilling necessary, and the advantage of r-12 installation.

I also think it is very cheep to install fiberglass r-12, and anyone that says upfront coast is higher than overall savings must not know anything about our canadian winters where it is -30 often...

also, if your walls are already built, it should be easier to move them 1" off the styrofoam, and use them as is, then replacing them and paying for new 2x4's.

 

[fitzw]

also, if your walls are already built, it should be easier to move them 1" off the styrofoam, and use them as is, then replacing them and paying for new 2x4's.

yes i think i will go this route because of the cost and the wall is already there.. thanks for the imput

 

[HABSFAN2006]

yes i think i will go this route because of the cost and the wall is already there.. thanks for the imput

no problem. very familiar, as i have just gone this route, and i live in ontario, and very important to insulate as best as possible.