Basement insulation guide

Basement insulation  guide.

Basements conversions are becoming increasingly common in households in  the UK. With the current financial markets still in a slump many people are choosing  to renovate rather than move. Converting a basement into a new usable living  space is a great way enable you to stay in the same property without having to  pay the costs of moving.

One of the most important tasks ahead of you if you are considering to  converting your basement if to ensure it is fully damp proofed. Getting this  task right is the key to success, cutting corners at this stage will only lead  to hefty repair bills later on. This is when it is best to get a professional  in to do the work for you. It always best to get as many quotes as you can and always  ask to see proof previous work. Water damage can be severe and costly, which is  why you need a professional to do this part of the renovating for you.

Now it is time for the electrician to pay you a visit to ensure you have  all the lights and sockets required in your new room. Don’t even think of doing  this yourself. Electrical installation is not something an amateur should be considering.  Unless you have a death wish.

The nature of basements is that they are going to be cold and damp; with  the damp element taken care you need to ensure that the area is well insulated.  So once the water proofing has been completed you will be able to do some tasks  with your own hands to save money. One of the easiest of which is installing the  insulation.  This will help to create a comfortable  living environment and help to keep the dreaded dampness away.

Before taking on  this task you need to make sure that your toolbox has all you need to accommodate  you DIY needs. Some of the tools you are going to need are: safety glasses,  dust mask, protective clothing, staple gun, work light, extension cord, tape  measure, utility knife and blades, and stepladder.

The easiest type  of insulation to install in a basement is going to be the solid board type. This  will enable to you to easily cut and place the boards in the gaps in your stud  wall. The same technique can be used on the ceiling. You will be surprised at  how quickly you can work round the room and once you get a rhythm going you will  be able to finish the walls in one. Depending on the size of your basement of  course!

Once you have installed  the insulation you can then get the plaster board put on top, again this is something  even a novice will be able to do.

Before long you  will have a water tight basement that is ready to be plastered. Plastering is a  skill that is difficult o master but with a little practice you will be able to  plaster a wall to a pretty good standard. The key to success is buying high a quality  trowel as you can afford. As keeping the plaster just moist enough to work with  and not getting it too soggy that it runs of the wall.