Which insulation is best for basement walls?

Rigid foam sheets are best for DIYers who are insulating basements prior to framing the walls. Rigid foam also works well when the concrete or block walls are smooth and flat. Rigid foam insulation is easy to use.

Should you put a vapor barrier on basement walls?





Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, writes: The short answer is: Don’t use a vapor barrier in a finished basement. This is asking for trouble, especially with a full bathroom, which generates a lot of humid air. Rigid foam board on the interior, like you have, is the ideal insulation.

Should you insulate concrete basement walls?

Walls. Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.

Is R 13 insulation Good for basements?

TBF closed cell foam insulation and concrete board basement wall products offer industry-leading R-13 insulation value that will reflect back 99.987% of heat back and lead to the optimal insulating of a basement area.

Should I put plastic behind drywall in a basement?

It’s like sealing a wet blanket inside a plastic bag. Vapour barrier or not, any kind of fiber-based insulation is risky to use in basements. It could work out or it might not. Waterproofing the inside of the foundation wall does reduce the risk, but leaks or vapour infiltration are still a distinct possibility.

Should you insulate basement walls below grade?





Your best bang for the dollar in this instance is to insulate the coldest part of the wall, again typically to 2-feet below grade. However, there are many instances where insulating the full wall is the best option, such as if your walls are stone, or the floor is earth or crushed stone with no vapor barrier.

How do you insulate basement walls to prevent mold?

The ideal Basement wall assembly to prevent mold growth:

  1. Install two inches of rigid insulation board directly against concrete. …
  2. Frame an interior 2×4 stud wall at 24 inch centres, pressed tightly against the foam panels.
  3. Install mineral wool batts in the cavities.

Should you put plastic over insulation in basement walls?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: This with insulation. I put plastic over to me plastic is going to stop moister. But that's not happening that is not happening when you're putting that plastic up you're using staples.

Should I use fiberglass insulation in my basement?

Remember, fiberglass does NOT resist moisture, so it’s generally a no-no when insulating basements. You can reduce the risk of moisture issues if you first cover the concrete with a continuous layer of rigid foam or closed-cell spray foam.

What is the best material to use for basement walls?



The best types of basement wall panels, including basement wall panel options like basement wall insulation panels & waterproof wall panels.

  • It is also possible to use wood paneling to make foam or fiberglass insulation look great. …
  • The best material to use for basement walls would have to be precast panels.

What should I put between drywall and concrete?

The solution is covering concrete with a vapor barrier, which acts like a resistant cell membrane instead. With a shield in place, the drywall is safe. Typically, a stud wall is then installed against the concrete, but furring strips are quick, easy and take up less space.

What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?

Finishing Basement Walls Without Drywall: Options and…

  • Paint.
  • Basement Panels.
  • Wood Fiberboard.
  • Fabric.
  • Vinyl and Wallpaper.
  • Stone Veneer.
  • Pargeting.
  • Exposed Brick.

Can I use cement board instead of drywall in basement?



In addition, drywall should not be extended all the way to the floor. Instead, use cement board on the lower portion of the wall, about 10”-12” from the floor. Also, be sure to cover the lower part of the wall and floor with a moisture resistant product, like tile.

Do you need to use green board in a basement?

Green board is intended for use for ordinary wall applications in areas that experience constant high humidity, such as bathrooms and basements, but it does not have the superior mold-resistance of newer products.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement wall?

Paneling can be used as an inexpensive way to finish you basement walls or ceiling. Use a strong adhesive to put strips of wood on your concrete basement walls, and then use wood screws that match your paneling to attach the paneling to the wood strips.