Exposed Fiberglass Insulation In Basement Ceiling

When considering basement insulation you have two choices.

Exposed fiberglass insulation in basement ceiling.

Insulate your basement ceiling or your basement walls. Moreover you can install it to insulate walls as well as crawl the spaces. The exposed fiberglass insulation is fire code in most states. The 7 best insulation for basement ceiling 1.

It s a large basement and all the insulation that is in the ceiling is not covered with any material paper or plastic. There can be no paper on any insulation that is not covered with wall board in case of a fire. Fiberglass is a type of insulation that originates from tiny glass fibers. The fiber could become airborne if a vent is blowing on it or it is disturbed in some way.

Fiberglass insulation will not degrade unless exposed to water. Both of these things will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. The bent boards that hold the fiberglass up appear to be compressing it and the fiberglass batts are not tightly fit between the joists. It s not uncommon for homes to have exposed fiberglass insulation in the basement or attic.

It turns out insulating your basement ceiling is not the most effective approach and can cause several unintended problems. And now that your basement is going to be cold in the winter you ll also need to insulate any ductwork and hot water pipes that are below the ceiling weatherstrip the basement door and wrap a thick layer of fiberglass around the water heater tank. Pink fluffy batts wedged tightly between studs rafters and joists insulate the space against exterior temperature changes. When finishing a basement to create either additional living space for items such as a game room bar or spare bedroom it will often be necessary to install a new ceiling.

In other words you re in for a lot of work. From your picture that is a poor installation job. Blanket insulation may be made of fiberglass mineral wool other natural fibers or plastic fibers. It s white thick fluffy insualation and we want to know if it s safe that it s uncovered since we use the basement so much and we don t plan on finishing our basement.

If you are concerned you could cover the ceiling with a insulation mesh or house wrap stapled to the bottom of the joists or install a dropped ceiling. Insulating the foundation walls may be more effective and less problematic. It is also desirable and advisable to conceal and partially contain exposed insulation. As you complete the installation there will be a reduction of noise within rooms and external areas.

This will help hold the insulation up and improve the look.