Installing a Vapor Barrier in Your Basement Walls

Basement walls are susceptible to water damage because they are built under the ground. A vapor barrier can be installed to help give your basement walls some extra protection from this danger. Water damage can be very costly to repair because it can damage any decoration in your home. Installing a vapor barrier in your basement walls is actually very easy as long as you have the right tools and enough time to complete the job. If your basement walls are often damp and moldy, vapor barriers may be an effective way to prevent water from being able to seep inside your house.

Step 1 - Choosing Vapor Barrier

The first thing that you need to do is choose vapor barrier that can be installed on your wall. Although there are some weatherproofing materials that can be painted on, a vapor barrier is actually a rubber-based material that is fixed onto the wall. These vapor barriers are normally delivered in roll form. This can then be unrolled and positioned on the wall.

Step 2 - Preparing the Wall

If there is any water anywhere on the wall, you need to remove it. The wall must be completely dry during installation. If there are any cracks, repair them. If there are any gaps between window frames and the wall, use caulking to fill these.

Step 3 - Measuring

Measure the size of the walls that need vapor barriers. Make sure that the measurements are accurate so that the wall is fully protected.

Step 4 - Marking the Vapor Barrier

Once you have your measurements, mark it onto the vapor barrier using a pencil. The material can then be cut using either a craft knife or pair of scissors. Make sure that you don't cause any damage to the rest of the material. When marking the vapor barrier, ensure that the material passes 2 inches below the bottom of your basement. Wherever there is a joint the vapor barriers should be overlapped.

Ensure that the measurements are accurately marked so that the vapor barrier will be able to provide your wall with plenty of protection from the elements.

Step 5 - Fixing the Vapor Barrier

Now you need to use a staple gun or nails to hold the vapor barrier in place on the wall. Wherever there is a seam you should use specialist tape to prevent water becoming a problem. It's important to use specialist tape which offers the right protection. Don't put too many nails in as this will weaken the vapor barrier. One nail per couple of feet should be plenty.

Step 6 - Finishing Your Wall

Once you've fitted the vapor barrier to the wall you need to finish it within 30 days. If you leave it too long then you are risking causing it damage. The longer you leave the wall without protection, the more likely the vapor barrier will be compromised.