Insulation options for a basement ceiling

DL · 2005-05-17T04:27:38+00:00

I am in the process of finishing our basement where I used fiberglass batts between the perimeter studs, but given the number of wires, pipes, lights and duct work between the ceiling joists, I am not sure the fiberglass batts will be the best option as it will be too hard to get effective covereage. I have been told that if you don't have consistent coverage with the insuation or the insluation it compacted to much, you lose much of the effectiveness (r-value).I saw the tail end of a home improvement show the other day where it looked as though they had stapled a clear plastic barrier to the bottom of the joists and were blowing in some type of insulation. I think this would be a very effective way of getting around all of the duct work, wires, pipes, etc, but I would be concerned about the insulation around and on the recessed ceiling lights I installed. The lights I installed are all insulation rated, but the lights still get hot.Additionally, given that my workshop and media rooms are in the basement, I would like some level of sound barrier between floors and the different rooms.I was wondering what others have done as for insulation between the basement ceiling joists for temperature control as well as sound barrier.Your comments are appreciated.David

May 17, 2005 22 Replies

Rate this thread:

DL 21 years ago

I spoke with the county inspection office today and they said that because the lights are insulation rated, the insulation can sit up against the lights. He recommended that I should remove the kraft paper so that it doesn't touch the light. I expect I will keep it 1-2" away from the recessed lights.

Thanks,

David

Vote

BocesLib 21 years ago

Sounds reasonable, the only reason why I would go more is only because the area would somewhat be sealed off. Once the sheetrock is on the party is over and you'll never get in there again easily.

But its good practice to never actaully encapsulate the area with insulation.

Tom

Vote

Chris Lewis 21 years ago

According to DL :

You only need to seal building envelope penetrations - which will include the garage -> basement.

I'm pretty sure the foam won't hurt the cable per-se. The issues are more along the lines of - it's very sticky/messy, if you ever had to change something it'd be a PITA. Secondly, it's not "certified" as a moisture seal for inside conduit - which is why you use DUX.

Any penetration from the garage to the house should be sealed. A lump of DUX in the house end of the conduit does the trick.

[A neighbor's house where we used to live burned down because there was no seal on the main, and the resulting influx of moist air corroded out the panel.]

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required