1. Steel stud framing is an easy and cost-effective way to stud your basement walls. 15lb. felt paper is not required to protect conventional wood framing, which saves you time and money.
2. Install your insulation to meet the existing Ontario Building code of R12 at 4 ft. below grade. This usually translates to R12 insulation full height. This can be done with Batt insulation or basement blanket wrap.
3. Don't forget that you will need to have a continuous vapour barrier on all of your outside walls. The only product that meets code is super six mil poly. Basement blanket wrap comes with a vapour barrier laminated to the insulation with a steel banding used to fasten to the concrete wall. The blanket wrap also has a poly flap used to cover the beam headers after they are insulated with R20 batts.
4. It is important to use red sheathing tape to seal all the joints of your super six mil poly. This product is the industry standard to avoid air and vapour leakage at the seams.
5. When joining poly to the bottom plate or around electrical boxes encased in poly, it is necessary to use acoustical caulking to adhere the two vapour barriers and prevent leakage. This caulking remains tacky and will not dry out over time.
6. Working with the right tools makes the job go much easier. We have a wide selection of caulking guns, staples and staple guns that the professionals use. Don't forget to use a quality dust mask when working with insulation.
7. Drywall comes in various thicknesses, lengths and for different applications. It is necessary to use the correct drywall for the correct applications in order to get the best results. For example, water resistant drywall should be used in areas of a bathroom where there may be contact with water. Cement board or tile backer board should be used behind shower walls. There are many types of specialty drywalls. Even ceilings require ceiling board with a non sag core in order to eliminate waving between joists. Choose the right drywall for the job.
8. 1/2 inch drywall applied to wood stud is tacked up with 1 1/4 inch Blue ring nails and then fastened securely with 1 1/4 inch drywall screws. 1 inch screws are used when fastening 1/2 inch drywall to metal stud framing.
9. If you are up for a challenge, taping your own drywall can save you a lot of money. We have all the drywall finishing products that you will need.
10. When taping you will need all the corner bead and trims required to make you job look like a professional has done it. We have paper tape and mesh tape to strengthen the joints and all the types of compound to cover.
11. You are now at the point of the job where what you see is what you get. Take the extra time and use quality taping tools and finish with a fine 150 grit or higher sandpaper. After painting you will be glad you did.
12. When you think the job is complete you may still need some finishing touches. For example, you will need access to your water shut off for your garden hose or the shut off valve for your upstairs fireplace which is usually on the basement ceiling. These are just two of many reasons that you will require access doors.