I live in Chicago and I'm currently remodeling my basementI've had the floor acid stained a few weeks ago and I'm almost ready for drywallThree fourths of the basement is below grade and I will drywall the walls and ceiling in the entire basement except the laundry which will have a drop ceilingMy question is this.How much insulation should I use and should I also include insulation in the ceiling? How about a moisture barrier as well?
Where wood is scarce, one builds molds and pillars of wood and once the concrete is dry you remove the wood to be reused elsewhere.
YesUse a minimum of one and half inches thick new concrete over stable existing concreteIf the reason you are doing this is because the old slab is breaking up, you need to have a professional to look at it to determine if old slab pieces need to be removed and if you have enough head room, whether it will interfer with doors, etcWish you would of added why you are considering it and condition of existingPost back with more info, please.
I would paint the exterior walls with a bastwaterproof paint, R-11 to R-15 with a vapor barrier is plenty of insulationI would insulate the rim joists with R-19 and only about 2' in from the wallI do not recommend the whole ceiling
