DIY Basement Panels

Uninsulated basement walls can make the floors above cold in the winter and allow moisture vapor to work in from the outside. Adding rigid foam insulation panels to your basement will improve the energy efficiency of your home and save energy on your power or heating bill. Best of all, adding basement panels is a good job for the do-it-yourselfer. The panels are easy to work with and can be applied to the walls quickly, and without the need for any specialized tools.

Tape measure
Utility knife
Construction adhesive
Caulking gun

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height and width of your walls to determine the amount of wall space that will need to be covered. Purchase your panels accordingly.
- 2
  Place your first panel against the wall at a corner of the basement. Note the locations of any obstructions or openings on the wall. If any are present, measure their location relative to the corner and mark the corresponding spots on the panel.
- 3
  Cut any panel that needs to be removed by scoring the panel with a utility knife and snapping off the excess with your hands.
- 4
  Place your adhesive tube into a caulking gun. Apply adhesive onto the back of the panel. Place the panel against the wall and hold it in place until it is firmly set in place.
- 5
  Position your next panel against the first. Trim as necessary and apply to the wall with adhesive. Continue until the wall spaces have been covered with panels.
- 6
  Place vinyl tape over the seams between the panels to prevent air leakage.

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