Given:
-10 year old basement
-putting 2x4 walls in all around to be insulated with fiberglass insulation and covered with insulating panels (pink panels 4'x8' about 1" thick), then paneling
-basement has always been dry
So, the question is, how shall I prepare the walls, putting up plastic sheeting all around the perimeter or painting on a sealing paint?
Or is it really necessary at all to put in a vapor barrier given the amount of insulation I'm using?
2007-10-31 11:46:17 · 5 answers · asked by Rick H 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
That is, how to prepare the existing concrete basement walls.
2007-10-31 11:58:50 · update #1
I did the exact same thing using Drylox. Not sure of the spelling. This is my second house that I did it to and it has been 10 years now with no problems. I keep tabs on the owner of my previous house and still no problems there either. 2 x 4 studs with 3.5 inches of insulation. We spend a lot of time down here. Mine and wife's computers in our office space, as well as having a den and workshop. Very comfortable down here year round.
2007-10-31 12:31:49 · answer #1 · answered by normy in garden city 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"If you were to place the vapor barrier over the concrete wall, or on the outside of the studs (before the insulation), you would likely see condensation on the vapor barrier. A damp-proofing bituminous (tar-like) coating on the exterior of the basement wall coupled with proper drainage will help to keep soil moisture out in the first place. The vapor barrier will help to prevent internal humid air from penetrating through the wall cavity, helping to prevent condensation on the concrete wall. The key is to ensure a clean installation.."
From the link below :)
it is a very good article and should answer all of your questions and give you good insight into the whole
basement situation.
2007-10-31 18:57:21 · answer #2 · answered by mabzar 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might coat the walls with a masonry waterproofing sealer first, then install the studs and insulation, and then a layer of plastic sheeting under the paneling. You cannot be too safe.
2007-10-31 19:17:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say no vapor barrier.Any mositure(and there is ALWAYS some amount in a basement)will get into that wall and have no place to go and you'll have a wall full of mold
2007-10-31 18:59:47 · answer #4 · answered by erndog1001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't think a vapor barrier is necessary with all your putting up, if basement is always dry there shouldn't be a moisture problem,
2007-10-31 18:58:30 · answer #5 · answered by William B 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋