Moisture Barrier Concrete Basement Walls

According to shannon of house improvements the best moisture barrier is rigid foam that is sealed.

Moisture barrier concrete basement walls.

Which product is best to create a moisture barrier in concrete or masonry basement walls. This is a water infiltration barrier and perhaps an air barrier designed to cause water to flow down and out not into the wall. 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. Even structurally sound basement walls can absorb water from the soil and transfer it to the basement interior making.

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. You should then use fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier between the studs with the vapor barrier facing in toward the living space. 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. Stud wall filled with fiberglass insulation an inch or two away from the concrete wall.

Of foam against the wall this should not be a problem in your climate. When the soil outside becomes saturated water can seep through these cracks. The foam greatly reduces heat transfer through the masonry and framing and it eliminates the need for a plastic moisture barrier later. With fiber insulation and a vapor barrier moisture can get trapped in the insulation leading to moldy insulation and decay in the wood framing.

The water vapor can come through the concrete from the soil or from indoor air that comes in contact with the concrete. 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. Actually a concrete wall or a masonry wall without cracks is in itself a very good air barrier. Plastic vapor barrier against concrete wall fiberglass insulation inside stud wall then drywall.

Be sure to use adhesive formulated for use with foam about 3 per tube when insulating basement walls. Fiberglass insulation inside a bag hanging from the rim joist down along the foundation wall. Most paint and hardware stores carry elastomeric oil based or latex paints that seal almost all masonry against moisture. Then insulation and then a vapour barrier.