Expert: Dave Johnson - 2/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have fiberglass insulation in between the pockets of joists on my basement ceiling & is exposed.
I would like to have some kind of plastic covering applied to improve the appearance of ceiling (as the fiberglass is messy looking) & thinking that perhaps this will improve energy, drafts ??
Is this a reasonable thought & if so, what type of plastic material would you suggest ?
Many thaks !

ANSWER: Hi Ang,

Are you talking about plastic sheeting? That really wouldn't be much more attractive than the insulation. So I'll assume you mean something else.

If your basement is heated, there may be no need for the insulation anyway. If it isn't, then maybe a fiberboard that you could cut and fit around any pipes, ductwork etc. It would be paintable and certainly more attractive...

Other options would be "chipboard" called OSB, 1/4" plywood, or
any other sheet goods.

As far as plastic goes there is a ridgid, pebble finish material that is available, used to line freezers etc.

Let me know a bit more about the basement ceiling like are there a lot of obstructions etc.

Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dave, Thankyou for your reply.
I do have a couple of plumbing pipes, telephone wiring, & heat ducts in the basement but don't keep them open as I really do not use the basement other than for washing clothes.
I did mean some sort of plastic sheeting as the appearance isn't of much importance to me other than just keeping the fiberglass contained.
I find that I need to occasionally push it back into place & just thought a plastic sheeting would keep it neatly into place.

Answer
Hi Ang,
I did answer this question, apparently it didn't get sent. Sorry...
I'd just use any fairly heavy plasticfilm and put it up with staples, and if it doesn't hold due to pressure from insulation etc, use some laths with small nails...
It won't have much "r" value, but will help hold the insulation in place and perhaps stop some air flow (drafts).

Good luck, and again, sorry for the delay

Dave