How to Install Foam Board Insulation for Basement Walls
Foam board insulation comes in a variety of thickness that provides different r values. The required r value will depend on your thermal resistance need. The least expensive of foam insulate is called MEPS or molded and expanded polystyrene. MEPS is the lowest grade of foam board in terms of r value and foam density. On the other hand XEPS offers better foam density and r value. The installation of foam board insulation generally needs to follow certain guidelines and regulations. The most common one is the fire hazard regulation. As a result, you need to check with your local building laws before doing the installation.
Materials and Utilities Required for Foam Board Insulation
The recommended foam board used for basement wall insulation is the XEPS which stands for extruded expanded polystyrene. This type of foam board has better resistance to moisture and offers better r value per inch thickness compared to MEPS.
Other than the XEPS, other insulation materials are 2-by-2 inch and 2-by-3 inch wood boards. You will need some adhesive. Use the industrial standard one. Purchase some framing nails for wall framing needs. You will need a vapor barrier to cover the foam board insulation to keep moisture out. Get a good quality utility knife for cutting the boards.
Steps by Steps Guidelines for Foam Board Insulation
1. Before installing foam board insulation on the basement wall, you will need to install a frame for the wall. The reason is foam board insulation is flammable and must be covered with drywall. If the basement wall is not framed, you will need to construct an outer covering to frame the wall.
When making the frame, use the 2-by-2 inch wood boards for the studs and the 2-by-3 inch wood boards for the plates. The studs have to be adjusted 24 inches apart. A 10-foot wall require an estimated of 3 8-foot 2-by-3 inch wood boards.
Cut the plates first before installing them at the top and bottom of the wall. Install the studs vertically between the plates. An estimated number of studs required are 5 8-foot studs for a 10-foot wall.
2. When the wall framing is done, here comes the installation of the foam board. The boards will need to be cut properly. Bend the boards a little and cut them through with the utility knife. Ensure the sizes of the board can be fitted between the studs.
3. When the foam boards are cut into the right dimensions, attach them to the walls with the adhesive. It’s not recommended to nail the board into the wall as nailing it will cause the board to reduce its insulation ability in terms of r value reduction. Besides, the holes made from nailing will make the board less effective since heat will easily pass through.
4. At the same time, cover the wall with a vapor barrier. The purpose of the vapor barrier is to keep moisture out of the foam board. Usually the vapor barrier consists of a thick plastic sheet stapled to the studs. The vapor barrier is to be installed over the wall studs before the last step which is the drywall covering. You can staple the vapor barrier every 6 inches to the studs and the top and bottom of the plates.
5. Finally after everything is done, cover the wall with a drywall and you are all set. The basement wall will be beautifully insulated with foam board insulation.
Foam Board Insulation Safety and Precautions
Foam boards are not to be left under the sun prior to installation. The heating will affect the board effectiveness by reducing its r value.
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