Remodeling a Basement with WireTracks

Basements are one of the most popular places to install home theaters. However, moisture and other water intrusion issues can create significant barriers. Before finishing a basement, deal with your water intrusion issues. Solutions to these problems can include:

  • Properly Routing Downspouts--all downspouts from the roof gutters should empty into conduits that carry the water away from the house.
  • Exterior or French Drains--perimeter drains around the house that capture and reroute groundwater.
  • Interior Drains--capture and reroute water from under the house.
  • Exterior Waterproofing--a waterproof sealer that is applied to the outside walls of the basement.
  • Grading--if the land is graded toward the house, regrading might be a solution.

After dealing with water intrusion issues, it is important to realize that the issue might not be totally resolved and that although the moisture issue is improved, the basement might continue to be a moist environment. For this reason, it is important to avoid traditional stick-frame construction methods as they may result in mold, odors, and decay.

The following graphic shows a common solution for interior basement walls:

To install WireTracks in a basement, follow these steps:

  1. Seal the concrete with a paint-on sealer..
  2. Secure pressure-treated 2x4s to the top, middle, and bottom of the wall using concrete fasteners.
  3. Glue 1-2" XPS Panels (also known as beadboard) directly onto the wall, between the pressure-treated 2x4s.
  4. Cut any channels for conduit or electrical into the XPS Panels. Make sure any electrical wiring is on the back side of the panel.
  5. Seal the joints of the XPS panels with fiberglass tape.
  6. Install WireTracks NC wiring channels directly to the bottom 2x4.
  7. Glue fiberglass-sheathed gypsum board to the XPS panels, securing the panels along the 2x4s. Then, seal the joints with fiberglass tape. Fiberglass-sheathed gypsum board is available at drywall supply stores and from the Pro Desk of home improvement stores (Densglass is a popular brand).
  8. Smooth and finish the walls.
  9. Paint the walls with a quality latex paint.