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Author Topic: Floating Foam Boards?
Nate5452
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Post Floating Foam Boards?
on: January 30, 2016, 17:03
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So I understand the floating wall system, but I am planning on using Foam Board insulation (polystyrene foam board) up again by basement wall prior to building the studded framed wall. So the question do I need to build a floating wall for the Foam Boards? and how do i do this...Just leave a gap? This will definitely make my basement colder I would think.

Nate
Tony
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Post Re: Floating Foam Boards?
on: January 31, 2016, 09:06
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Hey Nate!

Good to hear from you and thanks for the question. I understand exactly what you're looking to do. So I see you approaching this two possible ways:

1) Build your floating wall first butted up against your concrete foundation, or as close as possible, and then buy pre-cut foam board insulation that will fit between your studs. The "float" will always be uninsulated, but I really don't see that being a big problem.

2) Put up the foam board insulation first, covering your foundation walls completely, and then build your floating wall as close as possible to the insulation. This is very similar to my basement finish, except replace the blanket insulation I had with your foam board insulation. You really don't need a gap if your walls are straight, you can build your walls so they are touching your foam board insulation.

It also wouldn't make your basement any colder if you had a gap between the wall and insulation, the insulation will do it's job regardless if a wall is built there or not. Hopefully this helps answer your question! Let me know if you have any other questions about your basement finish!

Tony

Founder and Owner of In Form Creations
Company: Longmont Web Design | Behance Portfolio | Blog
Personal: Linkedin | Twitter
Nate5452
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Post Re: Floating Foam Boards?
on: January 31, 2016, 12:28
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Thank you. When I meant gap in the foam board I was talking about a 1.5 inch gap like you would for a floating wall. I am definitely going to do number 2 that you listed, but wanted to know if I can put a full sheet of Foam board against the wall. I current have blanket insulation which I am going to replace with foam board, but foam board is more rigid so I didn't know if/when the basement heaves if it will cause stress on the foam board and in turn stress on my floating wall.

Nate from Timnath!
Tony
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Post Re: Floating Foam Boards?
on: February 9, 2016, 13:40
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Ah I gotcha! So you're good to go. If you build your wall resting against your foam board you won't have to worry about the foam board stressing your floating wall. The foam would give way and crack before anything else. Perhaps leave just a small space at the top or bottom as you put up your foam board.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Founder and Owner of In Form Creations
Company: Longmont Web Design | Behance Portfolio | Blog
Personal: Linkedin | Twitter
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