This method can be hundreds of dollar less than the cost of using the commercially applied spray foam.
Rigid foam insulation floor joists.
The insulation should be pushed tight to the underside of the floorboards.
These are panels of rigid foam sold in 4 by 8 foot sheets in a variety of thicknesses from 1 4 to 2 inches it is also sold in large bundled panels joined at the ends accordion style for use as an exterior sheathing material.
That would need 90mm of rigid foam or 150mm mineral wool.
Rigid foam is the best insulation for rim joists.
But insulating your floors is a good idea for many reasons including energy efficiency and height adjustments.
Step 1 build the floors.
Fill the ends of joist bays with rectangles cut from rigid board insulation.
A do it yourself friendly method for sealing and insulating the rim joist or band joist area is to use rigid foam up against the rim joist.
We chose 2 in thick r 10 extruded polystyrene don t use expanded polystyrene which is a less effective air and moisture barrier.
But it is important to know how to install foam board insulation properly.
Use caulk or foam sealant to seal the joint between the top.
Here s what you need to know.
Seal and insulate using rigid foam board insulation.
Less than the height of the rim joist.
Use foam sealant such as great stuff to seal the joints.
A semi rigid material is generally best as it can be cut very slightly oversized and squeezed in between the floor joists thereby ensuring no draught causing gaps.
Rigid foam insulation uses one of three materials.
The first step is to build the floor joist or to strip back the floor until you can see the joist.
Cut the foam into 8 ft long strips 1 8 in.
Unlike fiberglass rigid foam insulation does not absorb water support mold or allow air to pass through providing that joints between boards are sealed with tape.
At least 25mm of the joist must be left exposed.