Hey everyone, I'm working on finishing my basement in Northern Illinois and need some advice. We have cold winters, warm summers, and it's pretty rainy in the spring. Thankfully, there's no moisture issue at all; I've checked with plastic on the wall and stored boxes with paper crafts that are completely dry. The walls are bare poured concrete painted gray, and we even have a drain tile system. What I'm unsure about is whether I need a vapor barrier and insulation. I plan to frame it for drywall, but I want to make sure I'm doing it right. Should I put the vapor barrier directly on the concrete or frame it first and then add the barrier? Also, is insulation really necessary if the basement temperature stays pretty comfortable? Would love to hear your thoughts!
1 Answer
I just finished my basement near Chicago, and we went with a vapor barrier and insulation in a 2x4 frame. It feels so much more like living space! Trust me, you'll regret skipping insulation during those winter months—it's definitely worth it for comfort.
I totally get that! If there's a way to save a bit of cash, I’d consider the insulation too. What kind did you go with? I've seen foam boards and batting as options.