Basements can be renovated into a living space if the height is sufficient. Often basements can be converted into saunas or hobby facilities even if the room height does not meet the requirements for a living space. Please keep in mind that converting a cold basement into living space requires a permit. The best way to start the project is to contact a local building inspector.
Additional insulation of basement from inside
1. Install stone wool insulation slabs on the wall tightly against each other.
2. Cover the insulation with bricks or building blocks.
3. If desired, install an interior facing finish.
Stone materials have better moisture resistance than wood-based products and are therefore recommended in basements. If using wood-based products they should be pressure impregnated and always separated from stone structures with bitumen felt strips. As wood in eventual moisture conditions means a high risk PAROC recommend to avoid such structures, if the current conditions are not carefully investigated. The internal surface of the structure should be as airtight as possible. As internal facing for instance edgeways laid brick is recommended.
Additional insulation of basement ceiling
If the basement is converted into living space no separate insulation is normally required. Sometimes however sound attenuation may be needed. This is easiest obtained by coating the ceiling with Paroc acoustic slabs.
Additional insulation of basement from outside
Start by digging out earth filling outside the wall down to the bottom of the footing. Renew old blocked-up drainage. Add a waterproof layer on the parapet external surface and install PAROC GRS as thermal insulation. The insulation functions as both thermal insulation and capillary break. Finish by filling the dugout space with gravel with good water permeability and on top of it an earth layer with low water permeability making sure it is sloped away from the basement. |
