How to Install Concrete Basement Wall Insulation

Introduction:

Unfortunately a great deal of building lots do not allow for the basement to be sufficiently below ground level. Ideally the basement walls should be approximately two feet above the finish grade around the house.  Unfortunately a lot of basements are built with a good portion of the concrete wall above ground level. Concrete is a very poor insulator and consequently this type of concrete basement walls are very cold and they take a lot of energy to heat.

Concrete wall basements can be insulated by most DIY homeowners using common household tools. It is a relatively easy task that can be completed in one week end.

The ideal insulation for concrete basement walls is 1 ½ inch rigid foam insulation. The insulation can be simply glued to the concrete wall but a better method is to attach pressure treated 2 by 4s to the concrete wall and glue the rigid insulation between them.

How to install concrete wall insulation:

·       Thoroughly clean the concrete walls so the rigid foam insulation glue will adhere to the wall.

·       Lay out the 2 by 4s on the flat along the base and top of the wall and attach using liquid nail and 2 ½ inch concrete masonry nails.

·       Starting on one end of the wall lay out the location for the vertical 2 by 4s between the lower and upper 2 by 4s you install above. These 2 by 4s can be placed either 16 inches or 24 inches on center and installed on the flat. Attach the 2 by 4s using liquid nail and 2 ½ inch masonry nails.

·       Install 1½ inch rigid foam insulation between the 2 by 4 studs using liquid nail.

Once the walls are slatted with pressure treated 2 by 4s and the rigid foam insulation is installed, you can install a finished wall board of your choice. I recommend regular ½ inch sheet rock or plywood that is finished on one side. Using plywood is a better choice as it will not absorb moisture like regular sheet rock will. Sheet rock finished walls in the basement will absorb the moisture and have mildew odor that is difficult to remove unless you run a dehumidifier during the warm humid months of summer. 

Related articles:

Building a Half Wall

Framing Walls | Wall Framing Layout

Hanging Drywall

House Framing Tips

How to Insulate a Basement Concrete Slab Floor

For more DIY information Check out these Resources