Spray Foam Insulation

10/22/2011 at 2:30:07 PM

Hi Michael, It really doesn't matter what framing material you choose as you are going to ensure that there is no framing to concrete (floor or wall) contact by using sill gaskets on the floor and leaving space behind the studs for the foam to expand and fill. If you choose to use metal, it couldn't hurt to put a PT 2 X 4 down on the sill gasket before framing. This will give you something that won't rust out on the floor in case of basement floods from washrooms or washing machines. Just make sure you get your electrical / voice / tv wiring done and inspected before the foam in case you have to change anything.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Jim Kuzma

Kettleby Handyman Services

PS. You should get an energy audit done BEFORE any renos like this as the government is willing to give you some serious rebates towards insulation installation or upgrades. These are a couple of links to everything you need to know.

http://www.homeperformance.com/ontario-insulation-rebate-grants-for-home-insulation?gclid=CNSd4OTy_KsCFY3KKgodCnn-mg

http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm

10/24/2011 at 11:39:24 PM

Not to step on anyones toes, but wood is way stronger and easier to work with. Use metal for bulkheads and such if u really want. And i would use 16" polly on your bottom plate and not sill gasket. Staple the v.b up on both sides of the studs wraped around bottom plate that way water on the floor cant get at wood. Sill gasket will just absorb the water and never dry, and keep plate wet. Then if u vapor barrier the walls you would bring it down the wall and tape it to your bottom v.b. hope this helps.

11/8/2011 at 9:43:27 AM

Hi Michael,

I totally agree with Bryan. Wood is definitely the way to go when framing. I wouldn't use pressure treated wood though, as the chemicals they use in the wood has now been known to slowly become airborn over time and could pose a health issue.

I always use metal for the bulkheads(due to the fact that they are straighter than wood), but would certainly go the route of the poly as a sill gasket.

Wrap the poly around both sides of the 2 x 4 wood and staple it to the framing. Then when you poly the walls, you can tape all of the seams for a water proof membrane.

BIll Clawsie

Clawsie Contracting

416-5799-7366

11/21/2011 at 6:27:34 PM

Right, don't use Pressure treated. No one needs that stuff in their house.