How to Insulate a Cinder Block Basement
A cinder block basement that is not insulated is a major source for wasted energy and higher heating bills. A homeowner can complete the task of insulating a cinder block basement with very few carpentry skills and tools that are relatively common or inexpensive. Remember to install a vapor barrier after installing the framing and insulation to prevent moisture from wicking into the basement as well as to improve the R-value of the chosen insulation. Two common choices for insulating a cinder block basement are fiberglass insulation and rigid foam insulation. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 2-by-4 lumber
- Saw
- Nails
- Framing hammer
- Drill
- Masonry drill bit
- Concrete screws
- Fiberglass or rigid foam insulation
- Utility knife
- Staple gun
- Contractors glue (for rigid foam insulation)
- Caulk gun (for rigid foam insulation)
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Instructions
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Attach Furring Strips
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1
Measure the distance from the basement floor to the bottom of the sill plate, which is usually a board, or the floor joists for the floor above, whichever one is a solid nailing surface above the wall.
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2
Lay one 2-by-4 on its side near the bottom of the wall. Lay another 2-by-4 on its side parallel to the first one approximately the distance from the floor to the nailing surface. Use a tape measure to span the distance between the 2-by-4's from the outside of each to be the same distance as the distance from the floor to the solid nailing surface.
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3
Measure the distance between the 2-by-4's. Cut two 2-by-4's and nail them between the parallel boards on the floor to create a box shape. Use two people to stand the frame up against the cinder block wall and check that the measurements are accurate and the frame fits tight to the solid nailing surface. Adjust the measurement of the vertical pieces as needed for a snug fit.
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4
Cut as many 2-by-4's as needed to place a 2-by-4 every 24 inches from the center of each 2-by-4 to the center of the next 2-by-4 around the cinder block basement walls with a top and bottom 2-by-4 for each frame. Stand each frame in position and nail the top of the frame to the sill or floor joists.
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5
Create boxes around windows, doors and other irregular shaped holes or protrusions on the cinder block basement walls.
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6
Pre-drill a hole in the bottom 2-by-4 between studs and into the concrete floor with a masonry drill bit. The size of the bit is determined by the size of the concrete screws chosen. Install concrete screws into each pre-drilled hole.
Install Fiberglass Insulation
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7
Unroll a length of fiberglass insulation.
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8
Measure the inside distance from the top 2-by-4 to the bottom 2-by-4. Cut the fiberglass insulation to this length by pressing the fiberglass insulation between two boards and cut with a sharp utility knife.
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9
Pull apart the side seam of the fiberglass insulation, place into position and attach the side seams to the vertical 2-by-4's with staples. Repeat this process between each stud.
Install Rigid Board Insulation
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10
Measure the inside dimensions for each area between 2-by-4's.
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11
Cut the rigid board insulation with a hand saw to fit according to the dimensions of each area between studs.
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12
Insert contractors glue into a glue gun. Cut the tip on an angle and insert the pin attached to the caulk gun into the tip to pierce the foil seal located on the end of the tube of contractors glue.
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13
Squeeze the handle of the caulk gun and apply a bead of glue around the perimeter of each piece of rigid board insulation as well as a zig-zag shape down the center.
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14
Press the rigid foam insulation into position between the studs.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your local municipal office to see what the insulation codes are for your area before choosing the type of insulation to use in the cinder block basement. There may be location-specific requirements for the type of fiberglass or rigid foam board insulation allowed for use in your area.
References
- Photo Credit concrete block background image by pcphotos from Fotolia.com
