KSUDVM
New Member
First off, thanks for such a welcoming environment for the DIY'er. I've been scouring the interwebs and was looking for some confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction and also any feedback before getting to far into my basement finish.
Background:
Plan:
Background:
- Location: Kansas City suburb
- USDA plant hardiness zone 4a
- New construction home, foundation poured February 2015, floor poured March 2015. Only daylight in basement is via an egress window (i.e. not a walkout basement)
- Exterior foundation walls were damp proofed and an exterior drain tile system installed along with a sump pump well and sump pump. As a first time home buyer and first time builder, I was ignorant to how our foundation could and should have been completed at the time of construction, thus the retrofit I'm working on now. Lessons learned that won't be repeated.
- Code called for a minimum 6 mil vapor barrier under basement slab; this was visualized in place the day before slab pour
- Moved in June 2015
- Record rainfall was received Summer/Fall 2015. During one gully washer, we observed approximately 1/2 cup water on foundation wall, originating from what I suspect was a leaky snap tie. The entire seam was injected with epoxy, no leakage observed since.
- Near record rainfall was received Summer/Fall 2016. One settling crack that formed at the corner of our egress window (diagonally to the floor) leaked approximately 1/4 cup water during another gully washer. This crack was again sealed with epoxy and no leaking has been observed.
- Efflorescence was observed at the end of last summer over a 40 sqft section of the basement slab. Basement dehumidifier was only ran sporadically as we didn't know the importance of running it continually.
- All gutter downspouts have been buried at minimum 15 feet from foundation
- Any settling of dirt around the foundation has been corrected to achieve minimum required slope from foundation
- I'm working with 104 inches from top of the slab to bottom of the floor joists
Plan:
- I've begun to seal my rim joists using the cut and cobble method. My product of choice is XPS DOW Styrofoam Utility Fit-2 inch thickness. I chose this product because of several references to the fact it does not need an ignition barrier for thicknesses up to two inches. We have since expedited how quickly we desire a finished project and the XPS will all be covered ASAP so my concern about an ignition barrier is now not applicable and am open to using a more environmentally friendly product going forward. I'm using Great Stuff Pro Floor and Wall adhesive to attach the XPS to my rim joists and sealing the edges with Great Stuff Pro Gaps and Cracks.
- I'm planning on attaching my 2-inch XPS directly to my foundation walls using Great Stuff Pro Floor and Wall adhesive and Hilti IDP anchors, taped seams and mastic applied. I plan to set the wall XPS directly on the basement slab.
- I have electrical stapled to my sill plate (see picture) thus making the installation of XPS from my sill plate over my wall XPS difficult in several locations. Would it be better to raise my wall XPS approximately 1 inch above the top of the foundation (see picture) and fill the gap between my sill plate and wall XPS entirely with Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks or to install my wall XPS flush with the top of the foundation and continue my cut and cobble approach filling the gaps with Gaps and Cracks where electrical is against the sill plate?
- I have two cantilevered cavities that extend approximately 24 inches beyond my foundation wall (one fireplace insert cantilever and one pantry cantilever). I'm referencing the second photo in post #17 of this thread (https://terrylove.com/forums/index....where-floor-joists-overhang-foundation.49767/) for guidance on how to insulate the cantilevered sections. My understanding is that I need to remove all unfaced batts currently in place, seal all joints with Great Stuff, refill with the batts (or Roxul) and add a piece of 2 inch foam and new sheathing to the exterior under side of the existing sheathing?
- I plan to finish the bedroom with carpet. To make this possible I plan to lay 2 inch XPS or EPS directly on the slab butting to the edge of the XPS to be installed on the wall. I then plan on laying an appropriately thick layer of Huber subfloor which again will butt directly against the wall XPS and attaching both layers using Tapcons. Is it necessary to use another layer of 6 mil vapor barrier (even though there is a layer under the slab) and if so, where at in the layering? My thought is to run the wall XPS to the slab to prevent the Huber subfloor from contacting the concrete wall. It would NOT be recommended to lay the subfloor before the wall insulation, correct?
- I plan to finish the remainder of the basement (media room, bathroom and landing) with porcelain tile. To make this possible I plan to lay 2 inch XPS or EPS directly on the slab, also butting to the edge of the XPS to be installed on the wall. I then plan to lay a layer of Durock before tile installation. Is there a benefit to laying the foam/Durock first and having the wall XPS sit on top?
- I see no benefit to using Delta FL (or similar product) for my scenario.
- I see no benefit to using drylok for my scenario.
- Is it recommended to begin framing as close to the wall as being plumb allows or is it recommended to leave a several inch gap between framing and wall XPS?
- Am I on the right track?
- How should I insulate between the sill plate and edge of my wall foam given that electrical is stapled to the sill plate?
- Is the method outlined in the linked thread the best method to insulate cantilevered cavities?
- Do I need an additional layer of 6 mil vapor barrier?
- Is it best to install the wall foam and butt the subfloor up to the wall or install the subfloor and install the wall foam on top of the subfloor?