If you have a basement ceiling and wall at ground level, you’re going to need some sort of insulation in basement ceiling project if you don’t want your house heating bill rising. First things first, figure out where your ceiling will be located on your property. Measure to your building’s wall studs. This will determine the approximate size of insulation you’ll need to install. This may not be as exact as you need, but it should help you get started.
How Do I Insulate a Basement Ceiling
Make sure that your wall and ceiling are square. Hold the bats in place with stapling paper-face vapor barriers. To help things dry quicker, use an exhaust fan at your local home improvement store. Place batts over the insulating basement ceiling as close to the bottom as possible and over the insulation to one inch above the bottom of the bats. It’s important that this is done for the best results and to allow for the best transfer of moisture.
Next, check your existing vapor barrier between the exterior wall and your foundation.
If this barrier needs to be adjusted, use a level to make sure. You’ll probably want to add an insulating layer in your existing basements walls and flooring. Using polyethylene, fiberglass, or rolls is the best way to go.
For basements that aren’t already constructed, start with an empty space.
Measure and cut strips of plywood and foam to fit along the perimeter, overlap them, and staple them together. Smooth out any bubbles and wrinkles with an edge sander. When you’re happy with your insulating qualities, put on some rubber foam insulation and spread it evenly to cover the entire perimeter. You can then nail in the polyethylene foam panels to make a solid seal.
If you are completing a basement addition, you should definitely insulate it before finishing the basement.
Adding insulation to your basement will significantly reduce your heating costs through the winter and will help keep the basement free from humidity through the summer months. Be sure that the insulating material is sealed tightly. If you aren’t adding insulation to your existing foundation, start by insulating the walls and floor of your basement. If your basement foundation is finished and the walls are left unfinished, start with the first level of your basement.
Another important aspect of insulating your ceiling is cutting off drafts.
The simplest way to insulate a basement ceiling is to use drywall adhesive. Drywall attaches to the ceiling using rafter clips or screws. You can also buy drywall strips so that you can cut it to fit, but they are messy and usually don’t leave enough of an edge to stop the cold air from getting into the room. If your ceiling is really old (dampened) and you want to keep heat in, you may need to replace the drywall with insulation.
Another option is a R-value rating of the basement ceiling.
Radiant floor heating systems produce their own radiant energy and attach their heat to the surface of your house by creating a barrier. Radiant ceiling insulation is created by wrapping aluminum foil around your hot-air generating system. Attaching the foil to the surface of your home’s ceiling creates a barrier that keeps warm air from penetrating into the room.
A popular method of insulating a basement ceiling is with high R-value down-fetching system or attic dehumidification.
These systems remove moisture and condensation from the air in your basement. If your basement is not located above grade, you will have to excavate the entire floor of your home in order to install the down-fetching system. However, it is more cost effective than removing and installing drywall insulation. The dehumidifier will draw water out of the basement and stores it in a closed space where it will be recirculated back into the home.