EASILY Insulate a Basement Wall: E2 Basement Finishing

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

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[@inspiringbuilds]

It will look great in the end! I will say you want to maintain an air space between your insulation and concrete. Apply PL300 in circular beads to the foam board so the air space is continuous from the bottom of the basement floor to the top of the floor joist and will find its way outside. If you don’t do this and apply it across the width of the foam board back and forth it will trap in the moisture. Follow my techniques and you’ll never have to deal with mold. 👍

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks for the tips!

[@inspiringbuilds]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Yes sir, keep up the good work. 👍

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thank you. I shall.

[@John52416]

What about straight vertical lines that are open like this | | | | ?

[@inspiringbuilds]

@@John52416 That will work as well. 👍

[@darpansharma8157]

Great information, really helpful. I am going to do it this summer

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Definitely do it.

[@christianjohnson2383]

looks professional! Thank You for this video we have a house in the Heights of Little Rock, Arkansas, USA and needed to freshen up on this skill!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

That sounds fun! Thanks for the comment.

[@GlueTubber]

repeat after me: Rock Wool! Fiberglass insulation is soooo 20th century. Rock Wool won't rot, won't settle, won't mildew, and won't burn. Plus it provides superior insulation and sound-proofing. It's more expensive, but worth it! :)

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I use that in other areas of my home.

[@velianlodestone1249]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY You should've used it here - the most moisture prone area of the house.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

The fibers in rock wool are more likely to capture moisture than closed cell foam board. But your welcome to use whatever product you prefer. Thanks for the comment!

[@CMbassin]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY that’s incorrect. Rockwool is air and vapor permeable. Meaning that any moisture that may make its way through cracks in the foundation from the exterior or condensation on the concrete can dry to the inside. The foam board you used traps moisture the same way a plastic barrier would. If you want to use foam board you should use a dimple mat behind it for drying potential.

[@melissajulius2581]

Thanks for the tips! Question - should you add a 2x2 between every two foam boards, glued to the wall? IRC requires fireblocking at minimum every 10' horizontally. I am working on my basement now, and didn't realize code had changed (my last basement finish was in 2014), so I have to go back and cut out some foam to add 2x4s flat between the boards (I used 1.5" thick foam boards). Luckily I haven't got very far! I have 9' ceilings so I am adding the fireblocking vertically now before I cut remaining 1' sections of foam for the top of the walls.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

That's not required in my state.

[@stb1938]

Any advice on adhering the rigid foam insulation on basement wall that is bowing/leaning? it has been mediated to not get worse but most likely the rigid foam insulation is not going to sit flat on the wall. Should I just use more “glue” on the foam, is it ok to have a gap behind it (I feel like it defeats the purpose if I have gaps between the wall and the foam). Would not have been an issue if I was doing doing it the wrong way with the fiberglass insulation inside a tarp given its flexibility….

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Actually, its best to have an air gap to allow some air flow. That way if there is any moisture coming from the concrete i it won't collect. I guess it depends on how warped it is. If its really bad you could also use spray foam insulation.

[@craigcusano6149]

These videos are really helpful. I have a question- I’m in a new build house where rigid insulation was installed on the exterior of my poured concrete foundation. Is it optional or required to install rigid board on the interior surface? And do I need to cover all walls or just the walls I am finishing? And last question, can I use rolled fiberglass insulation between studs in this situation? Thanks in advance.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

My house is newer as well and has foam board on the outside of the walls. I have been told it's optional to add more, like I did in this video. However, the walls still felt a little cool to me so I added more insulation. I live in Wisconsin and it gets cold here. The other added benefit is that this foam board will act as a vapor barrier when using the right tape on the seams. If you use foam board on the inside and you have it on the outside, there really is no need for fiberglass batt insulation. If fiberglass batt insulation ever gets damp, mold will grow on it inside your walls. Closed cell foam board is much more mold resistant. My basement is very dry but I didn't want to take any risks. I only apply foam board to the walls I was finishing. Foam board needs something to cover it per my local building code so just leaving foam board uncovered is not acceptable.

[@craigcusano6149]

Thank you!! We are in Ohio so not as cold but still cold enough. I appreciate the very quick reply too.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@@craigcusano6149 Absolutely. Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

[@JayDotOfficial]

I’m in Canada, the building codes are probably different here but I was planning on using rigid foam board on the interior walls. What would be the issue if I find out that there’s no insulation on my exterior walls?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

You mean on the outside of he basement wall? That should be fine. That's common. I just wanted extra insulation.

[@andrewsawhill4771]

Great video - learned something new today!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Good ro hear!

[@melissamuszynski3734]

Can't wait to see the finished product!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I'm getting there!

[@eyesopen6110]

Regrading the foam; What if your wall is not 'dry'? What if its had mold issues that you're trying to fix? Should you use foam board or something else?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Once the moisture issues are resolved you can finish the basement normally. The foam board would fine, but only once it's dry.

[@eyesopen6110]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Could/should you use the Rock Wood product right against the concrete wall instead? Example - between furring strips? Sry for nube question - just learning about this now..

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@@eyesopen6110 Rock wood? I'm not familiar with that. Are you referring to Rock Wool insulation? I personally wouldn't use any sort of fiber insulation against the wall. If there was moisture it would get trapped in the fibers and would be an idea breeding environment for mold. You're basement must be dry before finishing it. Then I would try to use non porous materials that will be in contact with the concrete. This is why I chose closed cell insulation. I hope that answers your question.

[@eyesopen6110]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Thank you. Sry, I meant Rock Wool..

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@eyesopen6110 I assumed. You're welcome!

[@DanyalSaeed-g6n]

Do you know what R-value the builder used for the outside? was it R10 or a different R-value?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Sorry, I do not know exactly what was used on the outside. But I can tell you that with the added R10 on the inside, my basement is very comfortable.

[@paulohvac]

Hey man great video, Question: I live in Chicago, have a house with a baseman. it's a older house. after the installing 1" foam boars and 2x4 frame should I use insulation with vapor barrier yes or no.. Sorry I got confuse other videos recommend to use plastic.?????

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No. If you install this type of insulation and tape the seams with the correct tape, then the insulation is a vapor barrier.

[@bfullsyou]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY It's a vapor retarder. It has a perm rating high enough for that. Let below grade dry to the interior, yes.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@bfullsyou Thanks for the added info!

[@xpump876]

So, Crap. I'd had plans to divide my basement with a 2x4 framed wall under the steel beam and on one side of the room put up Foamular 2" sheets as done in this vid and then just paint it with latex/foam safe paint. Your post is the 1st one that's stated that "..most bldg. codes require you cover the foam board with drywall .. " I'm in St Louis Mo and don't know if this rule applies. Curious how you'd put up drywall against the foam ? .. I'd think you would have to frame it in to have some way to adhere the drywall to.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding, but if you framed a wall in the middle of a basement, it doesn't need any insulation. If you don't want to drywall it you could also put plywood on the wall and paint that. Foam insulation releases toxic gas when burned. The building code is meant to increase the time it takes for the fire to get to it so you can get out of the house.

[@infiniti2015]

Great video series! When installing that Sheetrock as a fireblock, assuming it’s better to set it back a bit from your top horizontal stud to avoid going through and cutting off any excess, correct? I was going to use plywood but may use Sheetrock given it’s easier to corrrecr

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I don't completely understand you're question. I like to use plywood but either is acceptable.

[@infiniti2015]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY I meant when installing the horizontal fire blocking, it essentially has to line up perfectly with your top plate line otherwise it would extend past the top plate and interfere with the ceiling sheet rock inside the room. Figured the Sheetrock would be easier to shave away if that happened.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@@infiniti2015 Ah! Got it. Yes. Or fall a little short.

[@infiniti2015]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Cool. Thank you!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@infiniti2015 You're welcome!

[@sotinastos]

Hi Travis, we have a cinder block foundation and the walls are not finished. Would we take the same approach to finishing our walls the same way? Thanks and great content on your channel

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I believe so. Just make sure you don't have any moisture issues.

[@rainman415]

Would a 1.5 rigid EPS board work instead of 2 inch XPS board? XPS pricing is double just for .5 inch difference.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Just depends on where you live and how much insulation you want. When I bought this stuff it was like half the price it is now.

[@rainman415]

@HowIDoThingsDIY I Iive in the southern region. The prices are ridiculous.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@rainman415 I would look up the recommended R value in your area. You can also do a combination of this and fiberglass in the wall

[@cmbakerxx]

1.5" EPS is about R5.7 2" XPS is R10 So you get alot more insulation with the XPS. If its only twice the price it is a good value. Locally the 2" XPS is almost 3x the 1.5" EPS so 2 layers of EPS is the better value if you dont mind 3" of foam.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@cmbakerxx Great information. Thanks for adding that

[@lakenbanks9426]

What if my framing is already up? And I cut it and put it in between the studs?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

In that case, you might want to consider having that wall spray foamed. If there is a gap they should be able to get some behind the studs.

[@lakenbanks9426]

@ thanks for your reply. Do you mean basic spray foam? For behind the stud? Can I also do my wood joists

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@lakenbanks9426 I mean hiring a professional to spray foam the areas you need done. If the walls are already up I think that is the best way to get it all sealed up and and insulated.

[@johnsmith-gm4kf]

What about using xps cementious board and painting it over after ?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I'm not familiar with that. What is it?

[@susanpritchard2032]

Foam Board Insulation by Owens Corning for Basement RF Value ? need to know if it holds in heat for basement

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

2" is R10. Thanks for the comment.

[@TheEdutainersPR]

Can I put the drywall directly on the foam board or it will have to be framed?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

The drywall needs structure to attach to. I don't know of any way to do that other than framing a wall. There may be some way of doing something like that. But I'm not aware of it.

[@lindamuszynski8828]

Looking great!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks!

[@nofurtherwest3474]

Do you just glue the drywall directly to the foam board?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No, I frame a 2x4 wall over top of that. I'm currently doing an entire series on finishing a room. Head over to my channel to see the episodes after this.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

So you put a vapor barrier on the outside AND inside trapping moisture between??

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

There are so many ways to insulate a basement wall and so many pros and cons to all of them. The correct answer is to never finish your basement so you can let the walls breathe forever. After tons of research, this was the option I chose. I really appreciate the comment.

[@JeffGraff-tm2nr]

Why do you say you should only use the insulation board where you will have drywall? Doesnt the foam board act like a vapor barrier? Id think you'd want that in all areas?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I guess what I meant to say is that the foam board should be covered by a flame resistant material. This stuff, like a lot of home construction materials, releases toxic gas when burned. If you put it on a wall and never cover it with drywall or plywood, it will burn very quickly and the gas will be released into the home and won't give you time to get out of the house. Does that make sense.

[@Graff210]

For sure makes sense. Plan on finishing my basement and back where my hot water heater and heater are I don’t plan on finishing with drywall. But you are right I should put something else between those and the foam

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

​@@Graff210Are you talking about an interior wall?

[@dalebcooper3718]

do you add r13 insulation after the wall is framed?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No. I have foamboard on the outside of the concrete walls plus this. This was plenty for what I wanted and I don't like fiberglass insulation in basements unless its for sound deadening. I just don't like any materials that have the opportunity to hold moisture and mold.

[@dalebcooper3718]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY ok thanks. Because I hear conflicting things about this. I’m finishing my basement soon and wondering if I should do both foam board and r13

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@@dalebcooper3718 Some people do if they need more insulation. If the foam board is enough for your basement, then I would skip the fiberglass batts as they can hold moisture and mold. I did use some in my theater room for added soundproofing. It depends on where you live the construction of your basement walls and how dry your basement is.

[@TheHavocdog]

I sealed the concrete with a concrete sealer. Then I used 1 inch foam board on the concrete. After installing my studs, then I fit foam board in between the studs as well. I also used a mold resustant drywall product instead of normal dry wall. I used a mold reaustant drywall mud, and then painted with a mold resistant paint It really improved the warmth of the room and should be significantly mold resistant.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@TheHavocdog I like your style.

[@dogwalkinginc6371]

and what do you recommend if my basement is not super dry?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Honestly, in my opinion, the first step would be to hire a company that can make it dry. I'd be very leary of finishing a basement that was not dry.

[@sydrider6023]

Making sure any glue used on concrete is molds resistant

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Good tip!

[@R_m_ki]

Are you planning to use more insulation in the frame

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No. I don't like batts in basements. The stuff I used is very resistant to mold. Plus my basement has foam board on the outside of the walls as well.

[@cwally1994]

Do you glue and screw the drywall?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I screw it to the wood and used fire block caulking to adhere the backing piece in between the main pieces.

[@cwally1994]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY I'm asking about the walls and/or ceiling drywall.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I personally just screw drywall. I'll cover that when I get to that.

[@kflem8]

You screw your drywall to the foam board? Or did you build a 2x4 basement wall frame?

[@DKGifford19608]

Why do you have to cover it in drywall?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Like many building materials, closed cell foam board releases toxic gas when burned. Drywall or plywood gives you more time to get out of the house in the event of a fire.

[@DeWaltjunkie]

Fiberglass insulation doesn't get staples of face of stud like that

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

This video isn't about installing fiberglass insulation. Thanks for the comment!

[@DeWaltjunkie]

@ maybe but its in video where your teaching insulating but not trying to be rude

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@DeWaltjunkie I didn't mention anything about how to install fiberglass insulation. Thanks.

[@DeWaltjunkie]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY so you said

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@DeWaltjunkie Please tell all the viewers why it's a bad Idea. I personally prefer stapples so the fiberglass doesn't fall down inside the wall. This is a theater room so the walls shake. As long as the staples are installed properly, there shouldn't be any issues installing drywall on top of it.

[@deaconjr5473]

Why wear a tool belt if you just throw your tools on the wall. Obviously not a pro but don't let that stop him from giving you advice

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Good tip! Thanks for the comment!

[@EricLabelle-cj6bk]

Your diagram makes no sense the top of your wall has a 2x4

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

The top plate IS a 2x4. There is also a sill plate in there on top of the concrete. Thanks for the comment.