Dow insulation is a foam board made of Styrofoam perimate.
Anyone who has worked with insulation knows that it can be very unpleasant. Fiberglass insulation can leave you feeling very itchy and spray-on insulation can be messy. Dow insulation is a sort of foam board made from Styrofoam perimate. Dow's insulation is made to serve as a moisture and sound barrier in basements and tight spaces. The insulation is different, however, because its slim profile allows it to go where other insulation solutions can't. Dow insulation works best against the cinder block walls that are typically found in basements.
Instructions
1. Purchase the right Dow insulation for your needs. Dow insulation comes in different widths ranging from 3/4 inch to 1.5 inches. The thicker the board, the more of a weather barrier it will provide. Your choice depends on your needs and how extreme the climate is where you live.
2. Remove any nails or anchors sticking out of your wall. Make sure that the wall has no cracks or leaks. If your wall does have any leaks, consult a contractor.
3. Measure for the correct height of each foam strip. Mark and cut each strip to the correct height. To correctly cut each piece of Dow insulation, score the foam with a knife and break the scored edge over a table.
4. Position the foam boards against the wall vertically. Use your level to make sure each board is straight up and down; this will ensure that the insulation lines up correctly. Overlap the foam boards so that they fit together tightly at the seam.
5. Apply a furring strip to the seams of each board; this provides an airtight seal at the joints and also provides backing for drywall. Use a larger furring strip if you need electrical wiring to go behind the wallboard at a later date.
6. Measure and cut around plumbing or other extrusions like electrical outlets. Hold the foam board up to the extrusion and mark it, then simply lay the Dow insulation down and cut it out with a utility knife. You don't have to be exact, but a better cut provides a better seal.
7. Measure and cut the final pieces at the corners. A furring strip will also have to be added at the corners.
8. Drill holes into the concrete wall behind the insulation using a masonry bit and electric drill. Drill the holes about 1 1/2 inches into the wall. Use concrete fasteners every 24 inches to secure the Dow insulation to the wall.
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