Finished Basement Minnesota
Floating Walls?
I live in SW Minnesota, and am planning to finish my basement. I have been researching this subject online, and have come across floating walls. The sites say that because of the large temperature changes, floating walls are necessary to prevent damage to walls or foundations when the concrete moves (due to the temp changes). I have asked numerous people in the area about floating walls, including someone who used to do carpentry. I included a link to one of the wesites I read below. Does anyone know if this is necessary, or common in SW Minnesota? Any experience with floating walls?
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/home_improvement/article/0,2037,DIY_13954_5024566,00.html
The people I talked to had not heard of floating walls.
I am acontractor in the minneapolis area and have never heard of floating walls. If your basement is below the frost line, you should have no problems with concrete movement. When I finish a basement I start by hanging a 6 mil. vapor barrier over the block wall, then install rigid insulation over the vapor barrier, then frame a wood wall of 2×3 or 2×4 against the rigid insulation, fastening at the ceiling and floor. Remember to use treated lumber for bottom plate.
Basement Finishing Wall System – Complete Basement Systems of MN
