Basement finishing

1/8/2012 at 8:44:38 AM

Kelly,

You should check with your local building department for help. That aside, typar is a replacement for tar paper and used more to keep insulation of concrete walls and dry, frame 1 away from the wall and its not required. Unless your in a termite area, blue wood is not required.

The basics of basement finishing is simple, if you follow a few simple rules, assuming your basement is dry and sound, if not repair this first. Seal (caulk) the rim joist at the top of the concrete wall to prevent air flow. Insulate and use a vapor barrier, installed correctly (very important). Prevent wood and fiberglass from contacting concrete.

Personally I use rigid 1 foam on floors + plywood not osb . 1 on walls (this is the vapor barrier), then add extra fiberglass in walls to comply with code (r12), never have an issue with mildew.

Two more things. If your basement on the driveway side is less than 5 below grade, do not insulate to the bottom 6" of the wall, you still must install a vapor barrier. Reason, weight of cars and no snow will drive frost lower and most likely break your footings.

Something else, never open your basement windows in summer, the idea is to keep water out, not let it in.

John Miller

Superior Handyman

1/8/2012 at 5:39:30 PM

John is correct. We always apply typar (but remember to reverse it for to perform properly). It is always good to remember that wood should not come in contact with concrete. Accordingly the base plate of the framed wall should be on top of a sill casket.

Regards,

Kingsway Construction Inc

Glenn Rosborough

1/8/2012 at 6:38:34 PM

Hi Glenn,

Can you explain what a sill casket is? Do we hang typar wrap longer on the bottom so the bottom of wall sits on the typar aswell?

What are your thoughts on the green insulation out there?

1/8/2012 at 8:10:12 PM

In my experience the best thing to do is spray foam the concrete walls and build a 2"x4" wall in front and drywall. This will provide a moisture resistant barrier as well as a good R-Value.

1/10/2012 at 8:39:48 AM

Good morning Kelly,

Don't forget to apply for your Building Permits

If your are changing the layout of your home by adding walls you need permits. If you are using rooms in the basement as bedrooms there are certain Building Codes you must follow.

When ever you sell the home in the future and the buyer asks if permits were applied for when the basement was renovated you can say yes. You can show them the signed off report that all conforms to code and inspection. This gives buyers the comfort level that the renovation was done correctly.

If your doing the electrical get it inspected as well.

Thanks,

Dave