Steel studs / Basement Insulation

16946 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ccarlisle, Jun 26, 2009

Chemist1961

Discussion Starter · Jun 11, 2009

I just bought enough NEW 3 5/8" steel studs and track for the entire basement at a steal form Habitat for Humanity.
I plan to frame and insulate the outer walls only, within 6 weeks to get an energy rebate.
Several questions,
When I space away from the wall, is there a way to use more than R 13.5 fibreglass insul in , not compressed of course?
Can I use R20 and let it hand out the back without collapsing, or is there a way to support it to keep from sagging or is spray foam or rigid in behind my only other option.
Second, if I spray foam, then obviously no air gap, but can I spray over a wall with a fine crack / leak which is caused by bad drainage outside... in a window well. The drainage is being improved as I plan to excavate the outer wall and clogged window well to seal at the same time.
Any other pointers for lapping corners , etc with steel studding would be appreciated.

Save

1 - 1 of 10 Posts

II Weeks

· #8 · Jun 12, 2009

Steel studs are a no-no in basements. Will rust and will rust screws within 5 years. Transmit cold from behind...
.

If done wrong, this statements right.

We use styrofoam on the walls and then 2X2 metal studs in front that. let the track sit on top of a double layer of rolled pink foam insulation. No rust and termites and other vermin and mold dont like the metal studs either. Wood in basements is a no-no.

We also use green board for the bottom perimeter all around the regular white on top and ceilings

Not sure where you live but R20 for a basement is overkill IMO. 2" foam is good enough with R19 in the floor joist bays at least 2' into the room all around.

Save

1 - 1 of 10 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 Contributors this Month