Insulating Basements

Have you ever noticed just how different the temperature is in a basement? Either it is too hot, or way too cold when compared to the rest of the house. Surprisingly, the basement of a home can have a dramatic impact on your overall energy bill. Insulating basements properly can help to make this bill a little less stressful. You don't have to be a professional framer or insulator to start insulating basements. All you need to do is follow these simple instructions.

Materials:

• Foam board insulation
• 2 inch by 2 inch wood pieces of lumber
• 1 inch by 3 inch furring strips
• Construction adhesive
• Vapor barrier material
• 3d nails
• Masonry screws
• Particle resistant dust mask
• Utility knife
• Caulking gun
• Plumb line
• Hammer
• Circular saw
• Straightedge
• Drill and screwdriver bits
• Level

Procedure:

1. Take measurements. Take measurements of all the walls that you will be insulating in your basement. These measurements are necessary to help you determine how much insulation you will need as well as how many furring strips you will need. Do all your measurements at least twice to make sure that they are as accurate as possible. Once you have your measurements, go to your local home improvement store and purchase enough 2 inch by 2 inch lumber, 1 inch by 3 inch furring strips, foam board insulation, and other materials necessary to complete the job.
2. Install top plate. Cut a piece of 2 inch by 2 inch lumber to the length of one wall. Attach this piece of wood to top of the wall, flush against the ceiling. Attach the lumber to the ceiling along the joists (if they are exposed). Once attached, find the center, and place marks along the wood at 16 inch intervals. Repeat with all walls that need to be insulated.
3. Install bottom plate. Install a 2 inch by 2 inch piece of lumber along the bottom of the wall in the same manner as you did with the top piece. Attach a bottom piece along each wall that needs insulation. Use masonry screws to attach the bottom plate to the floor. After all the bottom plates are installed, place a plumb line at each of the marks along the top plate, and mark the corresponding location on the bottom plate. This will help ensure that your "studs" are straight.
4. Cut vertical furring strips. Cut each of your furring strips to fit within the top and bottom plates. As you cut each one, make sure that they have been measured and cut individually to account for any variation in the flooring. Attach each of the furring strips to the wall at the marks along the top and bottom plates. Along the backside of each strip apply a little construction adhesive to help ensure that a seal is formed, and use masonry screws to attach each furring strip to the wall.
5. Add vapor barrier. Apply the vapor material to the wall to help ensure that there is no water seepage or moisture damage to the walls. Follow any local ordinances when you are doing this to ensure that it is done properly and according to "code."
6. Cut and fit insulation. Cut each piece of insulation separately to fit within each of the 16 inch wide spaces. Before you cut each piece down to size, make sure that you have checked your measurements at least twice to prevent any mistakes. Holes will need to be cut in the insulation for any wiring or wiring boxes that may be along the wall. After cutting each piece down to size, apply a little construction adhesive to the back side of the foam insulation board and press it against the wall.

Congratulations, you have now finished insulating your basement, and are for all intents and purposes complete. All that you need to do now is install a little bit of drywall, mud and tape the walls, and paint everything. However, that is another project.