How to Install 4 X 8 Sheets of Styrofoam

Styrofoam insulation installs are similar to Rigid Foam Board insulation and used to help insulate basements of houses. It comes in 4-by-8 foot sheets and also helps reduce the potential for moisture entry into the basement by redirecting the water to the drainage tile at the base of the foundation wall. Installing this product is manageable with the proper tools and correct installation method.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Silicone
• Caulk gun
• Utility knife
• Drill
• Concrete fasteners
• T-square

Instructions

1. Measure the walls of the basement to determine how many sheets of insulation will be needed. Run a tape measure from the floor to the ceiling to verify that the height is eight feet and that the insulation will not have to be cut to fit the height.

2. Add up the total feet and divide by four to get the number of styrofoam sheets that will be needed for installation. Add a few extra sheets for cuts that may need to be made around corners.

3. Run a bead of silicone sealant along the first piece of styrofoam and push it against the wall beginning in the corner of the room. Press it in place and hold for a minute to allow it time to adhere to the wall.

4. Drill three inch concrete fasteners through the styrofoam and into the concrete wall in the middle of the board about two inches from the edge. Insert another fastener on the other side of the board at the same height.

5. Line up the next board and butt it up to the previous one. Repeat the same installation process and continue down the first wall until reaching the end. Cut the styrofoam insulation to fit. Score it with a utility knife and cut a straight line down the board using a T-square.

6. Install the styrofoam on all the walls in the same manner. Inspect all the insulation sheets to make sure they are all secured to the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• The total feet are divided by four since the sheets are four feet wide.

• The size of the fasteners may vary depending on the thickness of the styrofoam. They must be long enough to go at least an inch and a half into the concrete wall.

References

• building.dow.com: Installing Styrofoam Perimate