Hi there.
I am looking to finish my basement and here's what I've got so far.
1. Wall Insulation - I'm going with a WallTite ECO V3 installer.
2. Framer - To frame my basement
And that's it.. (Seeing the above two points makes me a little sad... It doesn't look like I've achieved much).
Now I'm trying to figure out how to properly insulate my floor. Various different websites have different opinions on how it should be done. So now, I'm coming to the pros.
Here is what I intend to do:
1. Use self-leveling concrete to level the floor
2. Use rigid foam insulation on top of the leveled concrete. (I don't have to nail it down right? I think I read somewhere that I place the rigid foam insulation on top and tape it with Tuck Tape. This is to also ensure that there's some airflow space between the cement and the insulation)
3. Put down plywood ontop of the insulation.
4. Put down flooring of my choice. (I really like hardwood)
Questions:
* When using self-leveling concrete, how do I keep it from going down the drain? Do I put something down around my utilities (furnace, hw heater, etc) to keep it from continuously moving? In that case, is it better to do the framing first and then level?
* Do I insulate the floor before doing the spray foam on the walls?
* Do I need to put a vapour barrier down?
* Do I have to nail down the plywood? How do I keep it from moving?
Or better yet... Is there a step-by-step book/document/tool that will tell me what needs to be done?
Thanks,
M
You may want to install the services (electrical, plumbing, ductwork) prior to sprayfoam.
Cheers
John Kuehnl-Cadwell
Master Electrician
Datawise Solutions Inc
You don't want to use self leveling concrete, unless you have low spots that aren't sloped to the drain. You need the slope in case you ever have water penetration.
Before the walls go in, lay down a black foundation dimple product. It comes in large rolls around 6 1/2' by 65'. It's the most economical and provides for air circulation and a path for any water to get to the drain.
Laydown your insulation and tuck tape the seams, no other vapour barrier needed. Lay down tongue and groove plywood and screw it to the concrete floor. If you are laying carpet or a floating floor like laminate you don't have to use that many screws. Build your walls and then insulate.
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