Planning is the firs step.. So question for everyone

[MarkM]

Hi,

I have been reading lots on basement insulation as I plan out my reno that will start soon.

I live in Ontario (GTA) my question is my plan code compliant and the best way?

1st step
Foundation walls

2"rigid foam
2x4 framing (thinking the blue wood)
Roxul
Gyps (might go with the green one)
**do I need poly for vapor? I keep reading building code might ask for it anyways..

Then when I get the subfloor was thinking of running DMX tuc tape seems etc...

[MarkM]

Quick follow up question, I see lots of "reads" but no replies yet lol...

I read some new strategies are to use 2 1inch rigid foams, overlap the seems. so you can get the 2inch and the overlapping is supposed to be even better...

thought I would open that thoughts if anyone has seen or tried that.

Mark

[xdarrylx]

Hi MarkM, read through my basement thread and let me know if you still have questions aftetwards. I cover the framing, rigid foam (no need for poly as you'll then create 2 warm zones) and everything else until completion. Oh, and there are pics too!

Good luck - super fun project and rewarding the more work you do on your own (and significant savings too!)

[MarkM]

Hi!

I did read through and looks amazing!

did you place the studs right up against the rigid foam or did you leave a little space? Also any thoughts on 1 rigid foam panel vs 2?

M

[xdarrylx]

Originally Posted by MarkM

Hi!

I did read through and looks amazing!

did you place the studs right up against the rigid foam or did you leave a little space? Also any thoughts on 1 rigid foam panel vs 2?

M

I left a 1/4" gap between studs and rigid foam panels all around but sealed the top/bottom w/ spray foam.

2" rigid foam, besides being quite pricey, adds a bit more space to your walls which isn't usually a big deal but I almost got caught because my toilet rough-in was 15" from the wall and after I accounted for the studs and 1/4" gap, I thought a standard toilet would bit but forgot about the panels which meant I needed a recessed flange for the toilet otherwise I would have needed to re-frame that wall...it was close but with a 2" panel just be sure you have clearance all around (might not even apply)...and if you're going Roxul as well, that means you're going to have a super insulated basement (~R24+), which is great if price isn't an issue (and you're getting all those panels delivered...they take up a lot of space!)

Never tried staggering the panels which you had indicated before. I went with 1" all around as it allowed me to hit the minimum R-value needed in the basement, didn't break the bank, and was easy enough to work with (cutting through 2" panels would have been a bit trickier I reckon, much more to transport and lessen my livable space in the basement...but most of those points are personal preference. Do what makes sense for your situation.

Good Qs

[MarkM]

All good items to help me out thanks!

I want to make sure I understand something else, the 1/4 gap between the framing and the rigid boards.. is that needed/code? or is for another reason? cant contact because of moisture?

Mark

[xdarrylx]

Originally Posted by MarkM

All good items to help me out thanks!

I want to make sure I understand something else, the 1/4 gap between the framing and the rigid boards.. is that needed/code? or is for another reason? cant contact because of moisture?

Mark

Moisture isn't an issue since the foam panels don't absorb water. I believe it is to allow for flexibility when framing as walls aren't 100% straight...or so that the wood itself isn't coming into contact with the foam (for whatever reason).

Sorry I can't speak to that in more detail...it seemed to be general consensus and our building inspector also commented about it so I followed suit.

[MarkM]

Thats what I was thinking, did you get the inspector to come out before work started?

[xdarrylx]

Originally Posted by MarkM

Thats what I was thinking, did you get the inspector to come out before work started?

Nope, I did speak with them when I was applying for the permit however and that's what he mentioned. Here in Ottawa they come out at several milestones:

- plumbing rough-in
- framing completion
- insulation completion
- final inspection