How to Insulate the Walls & Floor in My Basement

Walls -- Foam Board

• 1

  Install a vapor wrap over the interior basement walls. A plastic of Tyvek vapor wrap will help prevent moisture from seeping into the basement from the outside and wetting the insulation, which can lead to the growth of mold. Cut the vapor wrap with the razor knife and secure with tape.

• 2

  Tack 1-by-2 furring strips vertically every four feet around the basement walls. Drill holes in the concrete basement walls with a hammer drill, then attach the furring strips using concrete anchors or concrete screws.

• 3

  Tack the foam board to the furring strips with the tack gun. Cut the foam board with the razor knife to fit around rafters, junction boxes or other obstacles.

• 4

  Seal all joints with the Tyvek tape.

• 5

  Fill gaps with expandable foam. Run a bead of foam along the top and bottom of the foam board to seal any potential gap. Allow the foam to harden and trim with the razor knife.

• 6

  Cover the insulation with paneling or wall board.

Walls -- Fiberglass Batting

• 7

  Install a plastic or Tyvek vapor barrier over all the basement walls to seal out moisture. Attach the barrier with tape.

• 8

  Erect studs every eight feet around the basement walls. Drill holes in the studs and in the concrete with a hammer drill, then attach the studs to the walls with concrete anchors or screws.

• 9

  Fill the space between the studs with fiberglass insulation batting.

• 10

  Cover the studs with sheet rock. Nail or screw sheet rock to the studs. Tape all the joints, then apply joint compound over the taped joints and smooth with a trowel.

Floors

• 11

  Apply a vapor barrier over the entire floor to seal out moisture. Secure the barrier with tape.

• 12

  Roll out foam underlayment over the floor. This is a thin, flexible foam designed to be used under flooring. Cut the foam with scissors or a razor knife. The flooring will sit directly on top of this underlayment and hold it in place.

• 13

  Cover the underlayment with hard-surface flooring such as linoleum or laminate.

• 14

  Put rugs over the flooring as added insulation. Because basements can be subject to flooding, carpeting isn't recommended for basement flooring.