Vapor Barrier On Concrete Basement Walls

Not to be confused with a vapor barrier which is placed on the warm side of the wall just in front of the insulation and behind the drywall a moisture barrier goes against the basement wall and.

Vapor barrier on concrete basement walls.

The vapor barrier is sealed to the concrete wall at the bottom with some sort of seal and nailed directly to the concrete. The vapour barrier is more properly called a vapour retarder. You should then use fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier between the studs with the vapor barrier facing in toward the living space. When the mold grows it will spread to everything around it studs drywall etc.

Hence it must always be located on the warm in winter side of any insulation. Basement insulation vapor barriers the trick with basement insulation jobs is in understanding where water vapor is being stored and where it s moving to. It is designed to stop moisture in the form of vapour that is inside the house from moving into the walls and forming condensation or ice. So there is enough gap for air to flow.

That is if the studs are going to touch the concrete wall. The water vapor can come through the concrete from the soil or from indoor air that comes in contact with the concrete. Most jurisdictions require a 4 mil plastic sheet vapor barrier for basement walls against concrete. Vapor barriers are used because while fresh concrete is poured wet it s not supposed to stay that way.

Concrete is like a huge sponge which holds water and water vapor for years and years. Usually that is right behind the drywall. As the wall dries the water vapor leaves the concrete and tries to penetrate the insulation and wall. Building codes usually require a vapor barrier 4 mil plastic sheeting on exterior basement walls if the framing is attached to masonry or concrete surfaces or if the wood framing butts up against the outer basement walls.

It needs to dry and then stay dryto avoid flooring problems. With fiber insulation and a vapor barrier moisture can get trapped in the insulation leading to moldy insulation and decay in the wood framing. Or you can leave a 4 inch gap between the studs and concrete wall and probably get away with it. The construction of the wall for instance is vital to the use of a vapor barrier.

If you ve ever had a problem with a basement floor or any concrete floor you know the kind of damage that too much moisture can cause.