Image: D'Arcy Norman / Flickr
If you are thinking of turning your unfinished basement into a rec room, you will need to consider a lot of things. One of the most important parts of the renovation will be the addition of insulation. Although it is always wise to talk to an experienced contractor or home renovation specialist about these issues, here are some pointers to bring up the next time you talk to them.
1. Insulation is important. Since your basement is constantly exposed to a strong temperature gradient, your basement can be a great place for mould and mildew to develop. Mould and mildew are not only messy and could potentially damage your renovations, but they can also cause health problems, particularly for children. Insulation works to prevent any moisture build-up in your basement: insulation stops the transfer of heat, which eliminates condensation.
2. Using traditional batt insulation between wood studs in your basement may seem the reasonable thing to do, but because this insulation is designed for above ground walls, it can let in mould as well. Experts recommend instead that you use rigid foam insulation. Since the pieces arrive ship-lapped, they easily fit together with no gaps between them. When you are installing, make sure the insulation goes on the floor as well as on the walls. One of the great benefits for using rigid foam insulation is that it will not hold moisture even in the event that your basement gets flooded.
3. When attaching the insulation to the surfaces, use an adhesive that is safe for foam. If you use the wrong adhesive, it will damage the insulation. As well, tuck tape all of the seams. If you have any gaps between the wall and the foam, spray liquid foam in the gaps.
4. After that, put studs over the foam, and finish the basement the same way you would any other room in the house. Experts also suggest using mould-resistant drywall.
As always, get an expert’s guidance when doing any renovation work. But hopefully this has been helpful in letting you know the sorts of questions you should be asking, and what you should be thinking about.
Nelson Goulart
Broker of Record with Signature Service GMAC Real Estate
www.ssgmac.ca
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