Should you insulate the basement ceiling?
Yes—in most cases insulating your basement is a good idea because it will pay dividends down the road. Not only does wall insulation help keep your home warmer but it may also help soundproof the space.
How do you insulate a basement ceiling?
Basement ceilings can be easily insulated using fiberglass or foil insulation. Put the fiberglass or foil insulation in between the floor joists. The insulation is held together by spring metal supports, wire, or staples. Warm air moves from a warmer space to a colder one.
What R value insulation do I need for basement ceiling?
The R-value for your basement ceiling should be at least R-10 or higher. Selecting high-rated insulation can help prevent heat loss during colder months. Also, with a higher R-value, the more effectively it can block the moisture that causes problems.
What kind of insulation should I use for basement ceiling?
Your best option is insulating your exposed foundation walls. Start with getting any moisture issues under control, then use water-resistant insulation like closed-cell spray foam or XPS foam board. Most homeowners opt for fiberglass, but fiberglass has the chance of trapping moisture.
What type of insulation is best for ceilings?
Depending on where you live and the part of your home you’re insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you’ll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.
What kind of insulation is best for basement ceiling?
Can you use R19 in basement ceiling?
R19 insulation is not usually recommended for use in basement ceilings because it can cause mold and mildew growth due to its high moisture retention properties. If your basement ceiling needs more than R13, consider using an alternative type of insulation such as fiberglass or polystyrene foam boards instead.
Do you need insulation in unfinished basement ceiling?
Should unfinished basement ceiling be insulated? As a general rule, unfinished basement ceilings should not be insulated. This is because it makes the room above colder and more prone to condensation. Also consider that heat rises, so insulation in the ceiling will mean warmer floors above with minor energy savings.
Should you use faced or unfaced insulation in a basement ceiling?
Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or “face” of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it’s ingested.
Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in my basement ceiling?
How thick should my ceiling insulation be?
about 10 to 14 inches
The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Is R13 good for basement ceiling?
Johns Manville Series R13 Fiberglass Roll Insulation
With an R-value of 13, this product from Johns Manville is another excellent choice for insulating your basement ceiling and is also very affordable.
Do most people insulate basement ceiling?
Yes. Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or “face” of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it’s ingested.
Is it OK to use fiberglass insulation in basement?
If you must use fiberglass, there needs to be a space between the insulation and the wall. If not, the place where the insulation touches the concrete will be overtaken by mold and mildew. Remember, fiberglass does NOT resist moisture, so it’s generally a no-no when insulating basements.
Can you put new insulation over old?
You can absolutely new insulation over old insulation… as long as it isn’t wet. Energy Star advises as follows: “If it… appears that the insulation [is wet or] has previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem to prevent a reoccurrence. Remove any wet insulation.
What type of insulation should I use in my basement ceiling?
What type of insulation is best for basements?
Spray foam is probably the best possible insulation material for basements and damp areas. Closed cell spray foam is perfect for locking “out” the water vapor that inherintely wants to migrate from your damp basement walls to your finished basement rooms.
Is it OK to put batt insulation over blown in?
Batt or rolled insulation or blown loose-fill insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) can be installed on top of old insulation. Rolled insulation should not be tacked down. The R-value can be reduced if the insulation is squashed or flattened. It’s recommended to air seal before adding more insulation.
Does stacking insulation increase R-value?
DIY Frequently Asked Questions / Can I stack insulation to get a higher R-value? Yes. For example, two R-19 batts can be stacked on each other to create R-38 insulation. You also can add loose-fill insulation on top of a bottom layer of batts.
What is the cheapest way to insulate basement walls?
The smart and inexpensive way to insulate joist bays is to use extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation panels cut to size to fit inside the bay and “glued” in with expanding foam. When the expanding foam hardens, trim away the excess and cover the foam with a piece 1/2″ thick drywall to meet fire code.
How thick should basement insulation be?
Insulating Basements With Rigid Foam Sheets
Typical thicknesses range from 1/2-inch to 2 inches, imparting R-values from R-2 on up to R-10.
Should old insulation be removed before adding new?
Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement.
Can I put new insulation on top of old?
Yes! You can absolutely new insulation over old insulation… as long as it isn’t wet. Energy Star advises as follows: “If it… appears that the insulation [is wet or] has previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem to prevent a reoccurrence.
Can you put too much insulation?
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can’t breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home’s interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That’s when mold starts to grow.
Is it OK to double up insulation?
ABOUT INSULATION
The thermal barrier of a home should consist of a continuous layer of insulation on all sides—including the lowest floor, the exterior walls, and the ceiling or roof. Doubling the thickness of insulation will double the insulation’s R-value, cutting heat loss in half.