Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Insulation plays an important role in your Northern Virginia basement remodeling project, creating a cozy and comfortable living space downstairs. But this component needs to be done right, with the proper materials installed in the correct way. Make sure your basement contractor follows these tips on insulating to get the most from your below-grade living area.

Repair Any Leaks

Be sure to have all leaks repaired and any excess water cleaned up before insulating the basement. Have a close look around the base of your walls and windows for any moisture. Caulking around wooden or plastic frames and applying concrete repair kits will help make this job quick and effective.

Inspect the Existing Wall

The steps to insulation depend on the make up of the existing wall. Rigid foam insulation is used in basements with cinder block walls, whereas fiberglass insulation can be installed between 2x4s on a standard studded wall. Vapor barrier is used in both cases, but the construction of the existing wall dictates which type of insulation to use.

Will you be hanging drywall in your finished basement? Your contractor must use furring strips or studs to hang that drywall, and insulation must be fitted behind the strips or between the studs. The idea is that insulation is installed close to the building envelope, with drywall acting as the inside layer.

Role of Vapor Barrier

This thick plastic sheet hangs between the insulation and outer wall, which tends to be either cinder block or concrete. Most foundation walls are porous, and the vapor barrier keeps excess moisture and condensation away from the insulation.

Without this important component in your basement remodeling project your insulation can become soggy and subject to mold and mildew. Although the plastic will not block heat, it does act as a preliminary barrier and is taped at the seams to create a solid obstruction for moisture.

Between the Joists

Insulating the walls of your Northern Virginia basement remodeling project is necessary, but you must also cover the space between the main floor joists in order to complete the task. It helps to do this portion before installing the main insulation—either just before or just after the vapor barrier goes up.

Fiberglass insulation tends to work best, as it can be cut to fit and slides easily into place. Remember not to compress the product, as insulation loses value when compressed.

Ceiling Insulation

Installing insulation in the ceiling cuts down on sound, as well as adding warmth to this space. Check out the different types of ceiling insulation, including products that work with drywall ceilings or drop ceilings.

Also consider insulating the pipes in your basement, improving the efficiency of your hot water system. Little things like this will come together to make your finished basement a more integral part of your home, enhancing your lifestyle.

Your contractor will invest a decent amount of time insulating the basement. Be sure that each step is well taken care of during your Northern Virginia basement remodeling project and you can expect a more comfortable, livable space downstairs.

Your basement has sat alone for years, like the little kid that no one wanted to play with.  Your northern Virginia basement wept, his tears of moisture causing some water damage and making him smell like mold and mildew.  Finally, the day has come that you want to include him as a major player for your home team:  you need a recreation room for the kids and significant other.  While it may look like you’ve got an impossible job of making the scrawny sad Virginia basement into a beautiful enjoyable area, you’d be surprised how little effort it takes. Read more…

Your basement is like a cave: it’s moist, it’s dark, and no one besides the creatures of the night like to go down there.  Even though you may not consider your Virginia basement to be a pivotal part of your home, a basement with too much moisture can be a huge problem, especially if you ignore it.  Depending on how long you’ve already ignored your northern Virginia basement will dictate whether you need to call in a Virginia basement remodeling service.  Here are a few tips and tricks that you can use to dry up your basement before you have to call out for help. Read more…

It’s time to cash in on the fruits of your labor. You took the time, checked every possible thing that could be checked and have found that your Northern Virginia basement is dry as a bone. You even waited out a few of the heavy Spring showers just to be certain. Now that you’ve gotten past the most serious hurtle in Virginia basement remodeling, you can now get to the best part: choosing the type of flooring you want for your basement.

If you’re not sure what kind of flooring is available for your basement, here’s a list of just a few of the materials available to help you create your perfect Virginia basement: Read more…