Framing/insulating a shared duplex basement wall?

3/31/2015 at 1:15:38 PM

Yes Anne .. the wall should be framed before putting the drywall on!!

3/31/2015 at 1:28:29 PM

Hi Anne,

Yes that is correct. You should frame the wall as the concrete partition wall, like rest of the walls, are not 100% flat or true thus when a contractor goes to drywall it, there may be waves and unevenness and the final result of the project may not be to your expectations. As far as insulation, you would still want to address this area as well for sound and as well for that little extra warmth in the home.

Thanks and good luck with your future project.

Tru-Pro Renos & Handyman Services

3/31/2015 at 1:33:52 PM

Anne,

I have always added framing to concrete walls so that there is something to attach the drywall to. Now, there are adhesives (glues) that can be used and "should work" for the concrete surface but here is another consideration. If the concrete wall isn't perfectly smooth and plumb and is free of defects (like small bumps where the cement settled a little), then the addition of some framing should be added. This way you would be able to ensure the framed wall is as straight as possible. Another point is the insulation. Although not really necessary, for the difference of a few extra dollars, I'd add it to the wall, in part for sound proofing but also to maintain the heat level through out the room.

Hope this helps.

Mark

3/31/2015 at 4:39:34 PM

Hi Anne,

I would like to add one more thing to the great comments already posted. If you have drywall installed right on the concrete wall, your electrician will not have a way to rough in any needed and/or required electrical devices.

Good luck!

3/31/2015 at 4:54:37 PM

If the wall is longer than 10 feet and is usable wall space for living other than shelving, electrical outlets must be installed as well, and cannot be done unless there is some type of framing thicker than 2" to allow wiring and boxes to be installed.

The wall is not considered exterior, but still a good idea to vapour barrier and insulate. Mould -proof paint my also be an idea to seal the brick.

4/2/2015 at 12:24:12 PM

If its up to concrete then you need to fur it out and then drywall, but if its and older place the vapour barrier under the slab might be in rough shape which can bring moisture through the slab. in that case you should vapor barrier it to.

Wayne Stevenson

4/4/2015 at 8:34:24 PM

Hi Anne,

Here's a thought for you. Instead of framing using either 2x4's or 3/4" furring/nailing strips and drywalling it, why not add decorative stone to the wall? No need to add anything else. If you want to run electrical, install faux antique brick to the wall and have metal conduit run down from the ceiling and give the wall an industrial feel. Not only will you give the wall some character, but it will add a whole new dimension to your basement. Use techniques to also create larger windows and your basement won't feel like a basement. Except maybe on a cold northern Alberta winter. :)

Mike

4/5/2015 at 3:12:15 PM

Hi Anne,

Here's a thought for you. Instead of framing using either 2x4's or 3/4" furring/nailing strips and drywalling it, why not add decorative stone to the wall? No need to add anything else. If you want to run electrical, install faux antique brick to the wall and have metal conduit run down from the ceiling and give the wall an industrial feel. Not only will you give the wall some character, but it will add a whole new dimension to your basement. Use techniques to also create larger windows and your basement won't feel like a basement. Except maybe on a cold northern Alberta winter. :)

Mike