Hey everyone! I'm renovating my basement in a new house and noticed the contractors used metal channel tracks instead of wood for the top and bottom plates during wall framing. I did some digging, and it seems like using metal and wood screws together isn't standard practice. Plus, they overlooked putting in a vapor barrier at the bottom. I'm curious about how much this misstep might affect my project. On another note, I originally planned to use R22 batts for insulation, but is there still a chance to add rigid foam boards after the framing is done? Or would spray foam be a better option? Just looking to salvage this situation!
1 Answer
Using metal tracks with wood studs isn't a major issue as long as they used corrosion-resistant fasteners. However, it’s important that they included a sill gasket or left some sort of gap at the bottom to prevent moisture issues. If you're in a humid area, that could matter a lot! Also, think about your local climate when considering insulation.
Thanks for the insight! I’m located on the East Coast of Canada, where winters can get really cold. The humidity during winter due to snowfall is a concern for me.