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Fr0StBite · Sep 11, 2009, 11:25 AM

I have styrofoam insulation in my basement which doesn't seem to do much help with keeping the cold out in winter. I want to take down the drywall as careful as possible so that I may try to reuse it?

What is the best way to take down the drywall to reuse it? Some of it was put up with nails and some was put up with screws.

Should I put the insulation right on top of the styrofoam and do I then cover it with plastic for vapour lock/seal?

Any answers will be appreciated.

Thanks.

zippit · Sep 11, 2009, 11:34 AM

You will not be able to take out the drywall and reuse it have you thought about using fir strips firring out the wall and insulating and sheeting over your existing wall?

Fr0StBite · Sep 11, 2009, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by zippit

you will not be able to take out the drywall and reuse it have you thought about using fir strips firring out the wall and insulating and sheeting over your existing wall?

What exactly are fir strips? And if I am adding on to my outer walls isn't this going to make my basement significantly smaller? I need more detailed information?

zippit · Sep 11, 2009, 01:18 PM

you could use a 2 x 2 strip kind of like a frame it will give you 1.5 inch to insulate than with 1/2 inch rock you will be taking up two inches all together,you would screw the strips to your existing walls I'm not sure what would be the best for insulation and it all depends on if you want to tear out and start fresh,main thing is I don't think you will be able to use the old sheetrock.we will get a expert on here soon hang in there

cyberheater · Sep 11, 2009, 03:26 PM

You know, trying to reuse sheetrock will be more of a pain and won't save you that much money. Even you if managed to save some pieces, to mud the joints will make it harder.
The nails you won't be able to remove without any damange, and the screws may be a bit easier, but you have to chip away at the mud to get to them.

If you want better insulation and do not want to take more room away from adding as suggested above, then cut the sheetrock out and then do it right.

If you do add furring strips, then you will need to re-cut your trim and account for moving your electrical outlets out , etc.

For every one solution, there many things to follow.

zippit · Sep 11, 2009, 04:14 PM

exactly and it depends on budget and what out come your looking for
how the room will be used?
if you want it right tear out and start from scratch with a 2 x 4 frame out and 4' insulation. Etc
since you mentioned re-using sheetrock I consider a cost effective way out to add a thermal barrier to the room

Fr0StBite · Sep 11, 2009, 04:32 PM

Ok I get all that and appreciate the responses however what about my initial questions regarding the styrofoam and vapour seal/lock i.e... plastic?

creahands · Sep 11, 2009, 04:38 PM

If u install carpet on floor it will make room warmer. Concrete will always feel cool.

If u want to do yourself, then install carpet tile. They come in 18'' square and 24'' square. Can get at most big box stores.

What type of heating system do u have?

Chuck

Fr0StBite · Sep 11, 2009, 05:08 PM

I have an oil furnace. I would still like to know if anyone can answer my initial questions regarding the styrofoam currently in my basement outer walls? Should I put the insulation right on top of the styrofoam and do I then cover it with plastic for vapour lock/seal? I live on the Atlantic Coast and it gets very cold and windy here in the winter. I have icebergs out in the water not far away. My house is only about 30 feet or not even from the water.

Thanks!

creahands · Sep 11, 2009, 05:19 PM

Fiberglass insulation is not recommended for use in basements. Will absorb moisture from outside and u could end up with mold. This would cause health problems.

Oil burner tells me type of heating system.

Need to know if u have hot air or hot water heat.

Chuck

Chuck

Fr0StBite · Sep 11, 2009, 05:23 PM

It's hot air. So is there anything that can be done to better heat the basement because it gets quite cold down here in the winter? What are some ways that I could check for heat loss? There are only thin sheets of white styrofoam in the walls now.

Thanks for your help.

creahands · Sep 11, 2009, 05:39 PM

The normal styrofoam insulation used is 2.5'' thick. U can put another layer of 2.5'' over existing. Use construction adhesive to glue together. Some people say to put poly over as vapor barrier. I never have.

Chuck

cyberheater · Sep 12, 2009, 09:46 AM

Okay, let me add some things that may be helpful. First, when you say "styrofoam" I am assuming you mean the "White" styrofoam, not referring to the pink foam board, like owens corning.

I don't know how much room you have behind the wall, so I cannot tell you to add to the existing insulation. I don't even know if you have existing furring strips behind the wall or 2x4 studs.

How about telling us what you have for existing framing or furring behind the wall first? In certain installations, furring strips are placed on the wall. These should be treated furring strips (concrete contact). In other installations using 2x4 studs the insulation is placed between the studs. There is even another way to install furring strips.

Also, basements will always be cooler then the rest of the house, and if you do not have the proper supply and return for heating, then it will still be colder.

Makes a difference, and depending on what you have you may not need a vapor sheet on the concrete side.

How about taking some of the wall off and letting us know what you have first, then answering your question will be much easier.