I just purchased a century-old house in the greater Boston area that has a field stone foundation, and I'm dealing with an unfinished basement that includes a makeshift room with existing insulation on the ceiling. I'm wondering if this insulation serves any purpose in this particular setup. I've noticed some dampness during rainy weather, and although there's no standing water, I'm concerned that the insulation could trap moisture against the wood floors, potentially leading to mold problems. Additionally, the previous owner had a serious mouse infestation, and I've discovered insulation that was loaded with mouse droppings. I've been tackling the pest issue and I worry that the insulation provides a cozy spot for them to nest and leave droppings. Since this particular section of the basement isn't fully enclosed and only part of the ceiling is insulated, I'm questioning whether it actually contributes to heat retention in the upstairs living space or just invites more issues. I'd appreciate any advice on whether I should take out the insulation altogether, replace it, or just leave the ceiling un-insulated.
1 Answer
It's actually required to insulate ceilings over unfinished basements for code reasons. But you should definitely address the moisture and rodent problems before putting insulation back in. Otherwise, you might end up with mold and more pest issues down the line. Make sure your basement is dry and critter-free first!
Should the insulation go up with the paper facing the basement ceiling or the basement floor? My inspector mentioned it was incorrectly installed before.