Moisture Barrier For Basement Walls

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one.

Moisture barrier for basement walls.

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. The best option for insulating a basement is to use spray foam insulation. 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. Hence it must always be located on the warm in winter side of any insulation.

The foam layer should be continuous and sealed at joints to keep indoor air away from the concrete. You should then use fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier between the studs with the vapor barrier facing in toward the living space. The material is stapled to the frame of a basement wall before it is finished with plaster or drywall. Polyurethane sheeting is a typical vapor barrier that contractors use to prevent moisture from penetrating the walls of a basement.

Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate your home and the location of the wall you re insulating. Aquastop wall liner is a 100 waterproof plastic vapor barrier that s perfect for unfinished basement walls. The vapour barrier is more properly called a vapour retarder. Usually that is right behind the drywall.

A vapor barrier is also helpful to keeping a basement insulated and warm. With fiber insulation and a vapor barrier moisture can get trapped in the insulation leading to moldy insulation and decay in the wood framing. Vapor barriers are materials that combat moisture diffusion through walls ceilings and floors. Not every wall does.

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. Aquastop wall liner is flexible so it can cover irregular walls including areas with large obstacles like rocks. Crawl space ninja exists to provide homeowners with the quality service they deserve when it comes to their crawl space or basement. They are most commonly made of vapor retardant paint treated paper or foil or polyethylene plastics but there are other options.

We offer exclusive crawl space encapsulation and basement waterproofing systems that meet building code standards and create worry free spaces for years to come. With a 25 year warranty for wear and tear it s durable washable and has anti microbial protection built in.