Quick Guide To Insulating A Basement's Walls
One of the most important steps of basement renovations is insulating a basement's walls. It's a necessary component to any project and it should never be ignored. Quite simply, a basement isn't properly finished or completed if it hasn't been properly insulated. Therefore it's important to get a good understanding of what your different options are, and how you can actually go about the process of insulating a basement's walls.
The first question is at what stage of the project do you begin this work? The insulation should be added as one of the final steps. At this point all of your framing and wiring should be done. The only remaining elements should really to put up the drywall and the ceiling. Of course the drywall has to be done last, since the insulation will be hidden between the drywall and the wall frames.
It's also important to remember that your insulation has to be laid down completely, all the way from the floor to the ceiling. You want to create an even, continual surface. If there are exposed areas, you will be allowing drafts to work their way inside, eliminating the effectiveness of the insulation everywhere. Therefore, remember as a rule that all the way from the ceiling to the floor you need to be covered.
Now it comes time to choose what kind of insulation you will be working with. The standard today is still fiberglass, with friction fit. However, many people are starting to use a Styrofoam like product called polystyrene foam for their insulation. This has the added benefits of being able to help prevent mold, mildew and damp environments in a superior fashion than standard fiberglass insulation.
Whichever you choose, remember to cover from the floor to the ceiling entirely. You'll then need to add a vapor barrier over the insulation to help really finish the job correctly. This will firmly keep the insulation where it's supposed to be, while completely keeping drafts and the cold air on the other side. You'll have a wonderful, warm finished basement when all of these steps are completed.
Now, many people feel that if they are constructing a wine cellar or similar environment that they can or should forego insulating a basement's walls. After all, a wine cellar is supposed to be a cool environment. However, you should still never ignore insulation, because it will also help to keep things dry instead of damp. Additionally you'll add more control and stability to the environment, which is important.
When you finish a basement, you can't forget about insulating a basement's walls. It will keep everything nice, warm and dry on the interior of your newly renovated area. It will also help to ensure that everything lasts far into the future. It's a quick project that can be accomplished towards the latter stages of your project, and it will be one of the last finishing touches you need to worry about.
