Dear Jim: We need more space, so we built a new garage and will convert our old one into a bedroom. We are also considering finishing the basement. What is the best way to insulate these solid masonry walls? – Lisa H.

Dear Lisa: The methods to insulate and finish the walls of a masonry garage that is aboveground or a basement are very similar. The major difference is the use and location of a vapor barrier to keep moisture out.

If the insulation gets saturated with moisture, it is much less efficient. For a basement or for aboveground walls in a hot, humid climate, the moisture source is outdoors. In this situation, it is often better to have the vapor barrier between the insulation and the outside wall.

In most other climates, the vapor barrier is usually located between the interior wall surface and the insulation because the moisture comes from indoors.

The best insulation method depends upon your budget and your do-it-yourself skills. If money is not an object, several companies offer complete wall insulation and finishing systems which are professionally installed. The ceiling system is also included.

It often takes about two weeks to complete the project. Most of the time is used for the wall preparation, electrical and plumbing tasks. Once all this is complete, it takes only a day to two to install the wall system.

The insulation is provided by the rigid wall panels themselves. It ranges from about R-11 to R-13 depending upon the specific system used.

The wall panels are made of pressed fiberglass covered with an attractive, durable fabric. These panels are very strong, yet light, and resistant to moisture.

Narrow vertical tracks are mounted against the wall. The fabric-covered insulated panels are placed between the tracks and a retaining strip is snapped into the track. The strips are almost flat, so they create a nice appearance. The panels also deaden sounds, so they are ideal for a home theater. They can be removed for cleaning or inspecting the wall later.

A less expensive option is to install rigid foam insulation boards yourself on the masonry walls. Foam insulation provides the highest R-value per inch thickness. Special foam boards are available with slotted edges. These slots make it simple to recess furring strips for attaching drywall. For fire safety, your codes may require drywall over the foam even if you plan to finish it with paneling.

The old-fashioned way of using 2-by-4 studs and fiberglass batt insulation is still effective and it requires a low skill level. It is wise to use pressure-treated lumber where it touches the concrete floor. Attach the insulation batts securely so they do not settle and leave gaps at the top.

The following companies offer wall insulation materials and systems: Certainteed, (800) 782-8777, www.certainteed.com; Champion Window, (888) 743-2887, www.champion

window.com; Dow Chemical, (800) 441-4369, www.dow.com; Owens Corning, (800) 438-7465, www.owenscorning.com; and Pacemaker Building Systems, (800) 551-9799, www.pacemaker

buildingsystems.com.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.