Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
endlessfixing

insulating unfinished basement utility room

endlessfixing
14 years ago

A contractor doing some work in my basement today suggested he insulate the ceiling of the utility/furnace room "while he was here". There is no ceiling- just exposed ducts and wiring under the subfloor (shiplap decking). The master bedroom is right above.

He said he would staple faced batt insulation to the joists and cover it with a "vapor barrier" to keep debris/dust from falling into the room. The vapor barrier looks like a thin white plastic with embedded/embossed 1/4 inch mesh. He could not explain exactly what it was or what it's called, but said he uses it all the time.

He would also put the batts and vapor barrier in the exterior wall space above the foundation.

Does this sound like a good idea? I don't want to introduce any moisture/mold, fire hazard, or fiberglass dust problems just for some "possible" heat savings.

I've been trying to read up on basement insulation, here and elsewhere, but I've been finding conflicting info about benefits/drawbacks, use of vapor barriers, etc.

Hope someone can help me decide how to proceed. Thanks.

Comments (3)