Exposed Fiberglass Insulation In Basement Ceiling

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.

Exposed fiberglass insulation in basement ceiling.

I do not plan to finish the basement but would like to put some exercise equipment down there and am concerned by the potential health risk from inhaling fg fibers. However there are some situations where it is not advisable. Here s an overview of the pros and cons of this approach as well as the different types of basement ceiling insulation available. The fiber could become airborne if a vent is blowing on it or it is disturbed in some way.

The exposed fiberglass insulation is fire code in most states. Exposed fiberglass insulation shoved in a crack a closer view of the same laundry room showing the fiberglass in a crack between the wall and the beam exposed to the air. 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. Generally the material is considered safe.

Overhead objects such as hvac duct work plumbing and electrical items can make this difficult. In other words you re in for a lot of work. Basement ceiling insulation is a great way to improve your home s energy efficiency and lower your bills. The fibers if airborne can be a mild hazard and irritant but it is not a widely recognized hazard like asbestos.

It turns out insulating your basement ceiling is not the most effective approach and can cause several unintended problems. Does the exposed fiberglass insulation in the ceiling pose any risk to my children who sometimes play there a o cold spring n y. When installing it or disturbing it you should w. This is a movie theater behind the screen with exposed fiberglass insulation hanging on the wall being used as a sound barrier.

Insulate your basement ceiling or your basement walls. When considering basement insulation you have two choices. Disturbing fiberglass insulation can send particles into the air that act as lung eye and skin irritants. In this case even if you don t plan on completely finishing the basement you should cover the exposed fiberglass insulation for safety reasons including.

There can be no paper on any insulation that is not covered with wall board in case of a fire. That appears to be fiberglass insulation. My new house has an unheated basement typically 5 8 degrees less than living space with exposed fiberglass insulation between the ceiling i beams. Fiberglass insulation will not degrade unless exposed to water.