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How To Remodel Basements And Attics

Kinds of insulation

In basement remodeling you can make excellent use of rigid, blanket and reflective insulation.

Rigid insulation (sometimes called structural insulating board, as its name implies) is a synthetic or manufactured lumber. It can be ob- tained 4 or more feet in width, 8 or more feet in length, and in thicknesses of 1/2 in. and 1 in.

Blanket insulation is manufactured in strips. It is flexible and may be obtained in several widths and thicknesses.

Reflective insulation is made of thin metal, generally aluminum, and depends on surface characteristics for resistance to the flow of heat.

Rigid and blanket insulation may be used to reduce the flow of heat and the transmission of sound. Reflective insulation can be used only to reduce the flow of heat.

Insulation benefits.

Undoubtedly the greatest and most appreciated benefit of insulation is the comfort and freedom from excessive noise that it provides. All of this was summarized at the beginning of our insulation discussion.

WHERE AND HOW TO USE INSULATION

In order to show where and how insulation can be used to great advantage in basement remodeling, the following typical examples are presented.

Example 1

Aluminum insulation applied to a cold foundation. The purpose of foundation insulation is to reduce the loss of heat, to prevent cold drafts and to avoid condensation.

Part A of Fig. 1 shows the use of aluminum-foil insulation between furring strips which are fastened to the surface of the foundation. The required materials include 2 x 2-in. wood furring strips, wood lath, insulation, masonry anchors, tacks, 3d box nails and a surface material. To estimate the amount of furring to buy, first measure the total length, in feet, of the foundation to be insulated.