hello Lemmy,

Every little while I update you on my basement build as I encounter problems. I am pleased to tell you the city is out of our hair. We have gotten everything up to code.

So here is where things get weird. My roommate and I live down here in the basement. Our rooms don’t have drywall or tile ceilings. Currently, our funds are exhausted, and I am not looking to pick a fight with the city over permitting with the ceilings. That’s a someday kind of thing.

We would like a small modicum of noise privacy from each other though. Right now the walls go up to the top plate, and end at the joists. The joists are open, as illustrated.

I am thinking I put something in the joists. My thought was just to grab some faced fiber glass insulation, staple it in there, and cover up the other side with a piece cut out from a blanket. I was also thinking maybe some XPS, which would be easier to cut to size and shape around infrastructure. I’m worried about foam board’s flammability. I was also checking around my options with various blanket types, finding wool to be a good option, and a welding blanket to be an option as well.

Am I insane? Are the words coming out of my mouth still making sense? Does anyone have any idea what I’m talking about? or any suggestions? Help would be appreciated.

  • Dem BosainEnglish
    3·
    3 months ago

    You want to fill the area above that wall, just between the floor joists? I’m not sure the faced fiberglass is worth the trouble. Are you trying to mitigate noise? What’s that wall made out of, and how thick is it?

    The welding blanket is a great idea. But, fiberglass, can you cut it without shedding fibers everywhere?

    Avoid ANYTHING that will burn. You’ll violate your new code compliance. You can get fiberglass insulation panels with a foil backing. These can be cut to size with a utility knife. Some good tape should hold it in place.

    Do a search for “basement fire barrier” and you’ll find other ideas.