Proper Insulation For Basement Ceiling

How to insulate a basement ceiling and should i insulate the walls.

Proper insulation for basement ceiling.

But unlike insulation in walls a basement ceiling is often lined with pipes wires and interconnected beams that will make insulating a ceiling a bit trickier. R value is the insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Extruded polystyrene foam can be yellow pink or blue depending on the manufacturer for insulating basement walls. Hold the batts in place by stapling their paper faced vapor retarders to the lower edges of the joists.

With the right insulation ceiling tiles or sheetrock adding to the basement ceiling will help keep noise from transferring between levels. Compounding that is the sealed combustion installation. The truth is insulating a finished basement ceiling makes a lot of sense but not for the reasons you might expect. Energy efficiency isn t a common reason to insulate your basement but sound proofing is.

Avoid expanded foam insulation the type that has little white beads pressed together when insulating basement walls because it isn t as durable and has a lower r value. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. The type of insulation you should use depends on the purpose of the space being insulated. Sprayed against the underside of the roof deck it seals against air movement eliminating the need for a vapor barrier or ventilation.

Let s take a closer look at insulating a finished basement ceiling for both temperature and noise protection. Insulation will have to be weaved around and behind the various pipes and wires and then stapled into place. Here are a few things to consider when installing interior basement wall insulation. Start by gluing 3 4 inch extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls.

But its open cell structure still allows moisture to escape. Start with getting any moisture issues under control then use water resistant insulation like closed cell spray foam or xps foam board. It doesn t protect the damp proof coating like exterior insulation does. Interior insulation reduces usable interior space by a few inches.

Adding insulation cuts off this heat transfer. Prior to insulating the basement ceiling warmth is radiating from the heated first floor into the cooler basement space. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Your best option is insulating your exposed foundation walls.

When tom insulates a cathedral ceiling or a finished attic he also turns to foam. For basement ceilings batt or blanket insulation is the insulation of choice. Top 9 energy suckers. Illustration by ian worpole.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulation level are specified by r value. As for material faced formaldehyde free fiberglass insulation is the safest for your home health and the environment.