Q. Our house has back-to-back bathrooms, one of which adjoins our bedroom. When guests use this bathroom the sound of running water and toilet flushing is so loud it can wake us from sleep. How can… ...

Foam insulation can go around turns, but it is a more complicated process than with fiberglass pipe insulation. You’ll need to cut two pieces of pipe insulation at 45 degrees and fit them together.

Q. I’m going to be remodeling my basement and want it to be toasty warm. How would you do insulation for a basement remodel like this? Would you use foam insulation or just the old standby fi… ...

Rigid foam is the best insulation for rim joists. We chose 2-in.-thick (R-10) "extruded polystyrene." Don’t use "expanded polystyrene," which is a less effective air and moisture barrier.

Q: I wonder if ceiling insulation in a basement does any good. The basement is not heated and gets chilly in winter. The ceiling is insulated with 9 inches of fiberglass batting that was once ...

Flooded Basement Rule #1: Get the Water Out Before You Go In. A flooded basement is more than a nuisance, it's an electrocution hazard. Let's say you've got an inch or so of water in the basement.