Insulate basment?

I am thinking to insulate my basement ceiling which are open joists right now – w insulation and then drywall – one person has said this is a bad idea since it could trap moisture and create an environment comfortable for termites to breed. I thought it would help to keep the heat in in the garden apt.
Thoughts – to insulate or not to insulate.

jaay

in General Discussion 2 years and 5 months ago

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justinromeu26 | 2 years and 5 months ago

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Op, in nys, termites breed in the soil, this according something i just read on line. There are termites that breed in wood but the only way they appear is via other wood brought into the home.

That is the quick answer. I do not yet have my study materials from cornell so cannot elaborate any more.

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 5 months ago

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Ok, some mix up on terminology here. Cate is talking about a cellar. Op stated basement but i suspect means a cellar. “Garden” apt is a recent term propagated by real estate agents.

Op, i am not sure there is a lot of advantage to insulating a cellar because they are often warmer and don’t have a lot of air in them. yes they get damp. My basement here is a cellar and the only reason i want to insulate it is because we have an exposed wall in the back and it gets cold. It also stays somewhat dry (i monitor it with a humidity meter).

In so far as termites. I am literally taking the class for the nys dec license now (to complement my home inspection business) and maybe in a month i can speak to that. I can say this, it does not seem to matter where the wood is, if the termites want to eat it, they will eat it. I had to repair a floor on the east end of the island. They had climbed a couple of feet up the foundation to the wood shakes, ate through the cedar shakes and plank sheating and went right into the old finish floor that was under masonite and above the sub floor. Never saw evidence of them from below (cellar) and the homeowner only knew something was wrong when the vinyl finish floor got spongy.

Www.brownstonehomeinspection.com

cate | 2 years and 5 months ago

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Depends on the situation. First of all, cold air is most likely to becoming from the walls on the garden floor, not from the floor/cellar, particularly from interior wood paneling or exterior masonry that needs repointing (especially if it’s concealed by PermaStone). Unless you have an unusually dry cellar with moisture barriers, it probably is better not to cover the ceiling and beams. Maybe speak to an exterminator if you know one you trust. Also drywall will mold but metal and plaster generally not.

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 5 months ago

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If you are worried about moisture, when they insulate, have them put a vapor barrier up before they rerock. They will have to in the kitchen and bath anyway. Or should.

At the start of covid, i almost put foam insulation in to deaden the sound, making it quieter for the person who has since used our dining room as an office. I was also going to use flame retardant insulation.

Steve
Brownstone home inspection llc

ceci | 2 years and 5 months ago

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My garden floor/basement is insulated and finished with drywall for 30 yrs no such issue.If I had to do it again, I would have also soundproofed ceiling.