Basement- how much insulation do I need
So trying to create a playroom in unfinished basement for kids. I attached a picture of general layout. The main room I want to keep comfortable is 23 by 13.5, not including a wall I plan to build to separate furnace. I have 2 ft thick concrete wall that separate areas in basement. In 2 years I’m adding an addition and basement will be attached to garage on wall away from stairs. So a few questions:
1. Interior concrete walls do I use 1 in foam board to separate framing and wall or skip insulation and just leave in 1 inch air gap.
2. If an entire exterior wall will be attached to addition in 2 years, hence making it an interior concrete wall do I still insulate and frame that wall.
3. Is it more cost effective for me to just heat this room for 2 years without insulation and make floor more comfortable for kids until addition is put in. Also if I go this route concrete wall is rough and needs work. Do I re stucco the walls or use some other material just to make walls more kid friendly
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Replies
What climate zone are you in? How much insulation you need depends on your climate zone, at least as far as the minimum amount of insulation goes.
Bill
I’m in climate zone 5 nyc metro area
I think in 2 years basement insulating will not pay for itself.
Closets in basement are a bad idea. Not enough air circulation everything in them smells musty.
I say skip the laundry room put the machines behind a pair of doors you can open on laundry day and close when not in use.
I say the wall is smooth enough the kids are smart and will learn how to not get hurt.
Walta
Thanks Walta, kids should figure out how not to get hurt on it, that would be most economical