Floating Walls?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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 2x3 or 2x4 against the rigid insulation, fastening at the ceiling and floor. Remember to use treated lumber for bottom plate.

Answer 2

I believe what they are talking about is putting up a frame, then nailing sheet rock to the frame. I've never heard the term floating walls, but I have heard the term of floating sheetrock. This is basically when you use a combination of a special tape, metal corners, and a special plaster (called mud) and you seal the seams, the corners, and where you placed your nails with the mud. It is spread on to these areas then you let it dry thoroughly. After a couple or so days, you get a very fine grit sand paper and sand the areas that you've "mudded". This will create virtually seamless walls. Then all there is left is the painting. Sealing of these sheetrock walls like this is excellant insulation. I hope I've helped you out......best of luck to you.

Answer 3

I live in a log home, all interior walls on first floor are "floating" In other words the are non load bearing. This is important in a log home due to potential for logs to shrink which will cause second floor to settle. There is a settling space intentionally left.
There are jack posts installed to re level the second floor if too much settling occurs.

Answer 4

I am a contractor in the twin cities and I am a painting contractor and have painted hundeds of basements...none have had the floating walls ...it is a gimmick ...building codes allow for the issue of seasonal setteling and homes are framed and finished to account for any seasonal setteling...