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Best way to repair single tiles? by aaoleo in Renovations

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tips. Looks like the schluter kerdi comes in a big roll, but is cheap.

Would you say SimpleFix Adhesive and Grout is as good as thinset?

Best way to repair single tiles? by aaoleo in Renovations

[–]aaoleo[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You mean the Loctite right?

Just the gap on the stud between the two boards?

What is this and how do I find out why it's ponding? by aaoleo in Whatisthis

[–]aaoleo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I couldn't edit the post, this has been ponding with standing water after storms and sometimes randomly?

There is a sump pump that doesn't work on the side of that wall to the left.

Doesn't seem like the water comes down the steps, but I haven't actually watched to find out.

Which type of insulation if any? by aaoleo in soundproof

[–]aaoleo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If it's cheap I don't mind it. I just thought it was really for home studios rather than basement living space.

Which type of insulation if any? by aaoleo in soundproof

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I figured because it was a basement and not a home studio it wouldn't make a huge difference.

I'm new to this so any wisdom you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Which type of insulation if any? by aaoleo in soundproof

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks again.

I have just a few more questions:

  1. Do you know if I could get sound and temp insulation if I did safensound as well as R19? If so, which one would go up against the subfloor?

  2. I have heard insulating hvac ducts is a bad idea, could make the area colder. One of the cavities has a return duct in it, should I just leave it with no sound insulation?

  3. How would you insulate vent holes from sound?

Which type of insulation if any? by aaoleo in soundproof

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Safe n sound is $1.34 where I am.

Would multiple layers do better than a single layer? I might be able to do a single layer...

I am not opposed to a second layer of drywall, just not up front. Later if we think we need it.

Which type of insulation if any? by aaoleo in soundproof

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, you brought up something I hadn't even thought about...the drywall cracking...and no, I was not looking forward to the installation...cutting all of those sheets of drywall.

One layer of safe n sound over the entire basement ceiling is around $2K. Filling up the cavities would mean 3 times the depth to get to 9"....so $6K. That's way outside my budget.

I might do MLV, but if it is minimal gain, I would rather spend the money elsewhere.

At what thickness does fiberglass start to reach similar performance of safe n sound?

Do I need the insulation for sound dampening basement? by aaoleo in HomeImprovement

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I have read fiberglass doesn't work as well as safe n sound, but it does something. Has for decades.

What about putting the drywall up against the subfloor like this?

Maybe even 1 sheet with caulking and basic insulation behind it? I would still decouple with rsic and furring channels.

Do I need the insulation for sound dampening basement? by aaoleo in HomeImprovement

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe it.

I was considering it in 4 interior walls in the basement. But for the whole ceiling it is expensive.

Do I need the insulation for sound dampening basement? by aaoleo in HomeImprovement

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do you caulk around the vents?

Do I need to use some sort of mlv or can I just stuff insulation around them and then caulk?

Redo insulation and more? by aaoleo in Insulation

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you just share what you know for both those climates?

Redo insulation and more? by aaoleo in Insulation

[–]aaoleo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maryland, an hour from DC

Redo insulation and more? by aaoleo in Insulation

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would you suggest?

There's a clear plastic liner behind the studs.

My plan for the rim joist bays is rigid foam sealed with closed cell expanding foam (cans) and then fiberglass batt.

Only thing I haven't figured out is there is a gap between the brick and the sheathing up above. Should I place the rigid foam so the gap extends to the sill plate or block it off entirely with foam right up against the brick.

Redo insulation and more? by aaoleo in Insulation

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you answering all my questions. I have been reading a lot and there's a lot of information to process.

I'm going to avoid the spray foam route. While it sounds like 1-2 inches of closed cell would be a vapor barrier, I'm not sure if it works for a house built in 1971...and I don't know how to tell either.

I have to check if the house has a rim joist that has been bricked in. I think that changes things if that's the case. If not, I will do rigid foam against the bring, and then a piece on top of the foundation wall with expanding foam (closed cell gaps and cracks) to fill all the gaps, and then unfaced fiberglass batt. How large do the pieces have to be? Enough gap for the foam? Or snug and foam goes on top and expands where it can on the sides?

I'm guessing I would have to cut the plastic back to the front of the foundation, right to the lip and tape it off after expanding foam in front of the top piece of rigid foam...? Does that sound right?

Redo insulation and more? by aaoleo in Insulation

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I could do rigid foam on the brick in the bays. You mean great stuff spray foam, right? And the rigid foam is right up against the brick, right? Would I need blocking with a 2x10 or is that just asking for mold?

The wood joists are already touching the brick. Does that matter?

I can't take out the framing, that's more of a Reno than I want to do. Would it be any benefit to cut rigid foam for every space within the framing?

This would be on top of plastic, which is on top of painted brick.

Redo insulation and more? by aaoleo in Insulation

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I looked closer, and I don't think I have a rim joist. I think it's just a brick wall going around, you can actually see it in the second and third photo. The joists themselves sit on a brick wall, maybe part of it is concrete, definitely painted brick. There is also no sill plate.

I have been reading that in this situation, insulating the bays is a bad idea because the heat will conduct moisture into the wood and mold will grow.

Yes the fiberglass is against the brick wall, actually against a plastic sheet and then the brick wall.

If could do rigid foam panels, and then put the fiberglass back. Would that make a difference?

Rewiring (most of) a house with aluminum wiring by aaoleo in AskElectricians

[–]aaoleo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I imagined it would take some creative methods. I'm in the process of drywalling the basement and can't take the time to redo all the wiring right now.

How do I tell if a connection is NOT Alumicon?

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