Moisture Barrier Concrete Basement Walls

Which product is best to create a moisture barrier in concrete or masonry basement walls.

Moisture barrier concrete basement walls. Be sure to use adhesive formulated for use with foam about 3 per tube when insulating basement walls. With fiber insulation and a vapor barrier moisture can get trapped in the insulation leading to moldy insulation and decay in the wood framing. Even structurally sound basement walls can absorb water from the soil and transfer it to the basement interior making. Stud wall filled with fiberglass insulation an inch or two away from the concrete wall.

When the soil outside becomes saturated water can seep through these cracks. If you have a framed wall that is adjacent to a concrete foundation wall where the vapor barrier is next to the drywall in front of the studs the fiberglass insulation gets wet and becomes a breeding ground for mold. 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. The water vapor can come through the concrete from the soil or from indoor air that comes in contact with the concrete.

But if you use fiberglass insulation batts then a moisture barrier will prevent water and moisture from entering your walls and creating mold and mildew. Most paint and hardware stores carry elastomeric oil based or latex paints that seal almost all masonry against moisture. According to shannon of house improvements the best moisture barrier is rigid foam that is sealed. You should then use fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier between the studs with the vapor barrier facing in toward the living space.

Of foam against the wall this should not be a problem in your climate. Then insulation and then a vapour barrier. If you have a double brick wall in the above ground portion of the house we will often find some kind of building paper against the brick inside the house. Plastic vapor barrier against concrete wall fiberglass insulation inside stud wall then drywall.

These moisture barrier paints are not guaranteed if the concrete is crumbling or badly cracked but can be applied over repairs or under carpet and paneling to help keep your basement dry. This is a water infiltration barrier and perhaps an air barrier designed to cause water to flow down and out not into the wall. Actually a concrete wall or a masonry wall without cracks is in itself a very good air barrier. Fiberglass insulation inside a bag hanging from the rim joist down along the foundation wall.