This is with reference to your article on Finished Basements. I’ve read the other entries and thank you for the information, but I have another question. We’re building an addition, which will be 3/4 out of the ground (sloped site). Because we live in a cold climate, our concern is additional insulation for the basement, as it will be used as living space (bedroom/bath). We had thought of using Roxul, a mineral wool batt, in addition to the EPS, but without a vapour barrier. Would this be appropriate, or is there another way to get higher R-value? Thanks.
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You can use mineral wool, more foam, or even fiberglass. In most cases though, it's just not necessary.
Andy Engel
Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine
Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig
Thanks for the info. Since only the back wall will be into the ground and winters tend to be cold in Canada, I feel better about some extra "R's"
try using the insulating foam concrete forms for your foundation if you havent already poured it yet.Awsome product gives great r value escpecially if you want to frame walls with even more insulation in the basement,even though you dont need to actually do any framing with that product,just screw the drywall to it and call it a day with a r value of 60 or something like that.
Thanks for the input. Haven't poured yet, so we'll do some investigating.
BTW, I'm an ICF fan, too. Built my own basement with them. With me doing the labor, and a bunch of friends helping on the pour, they were competitive with hiring a conventional foundation done. If you're planning to finish the basement anyway, ICFs are worth considering.Andy Engel
Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine
Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig