Vapor Barrier
#1
11-08-00, 08:07 PM
I am replacing a studded wall & drywall to a basement wall after it all got damaged due to water leakage from rain. When I took the old wall down there was no plastic vapor barrier taped to the poured concrete walls. Do you recommend that I purchase some plastic from Home Depot / Lowe's and duct tape it to the concrete? What kind of plastic is best to use? Is this a building code requirement?
#3
11-14-00, 01:39 PM
That differs somewhat with other how-to sites and books I have read. I have read that in colder weather climates you want the plastic between the studs and the drywall. In warmer climates you want it between the studs and concrete or siding.
The issue is not the vapor, but condensing vapor. If you place the plastic on the concrete, the warm moist room air in the wintertime will pass through the wall and condense on the cool plastic, potentially resulting im mold/musty smell.
The issue is not the vapor, but condensing vapor. If you place the plastic on the concrete, the warm moist room air in the wintertime will pass through the wall and condense on the cool plastic, potentially resulting im mold/musty smell.
#4
11-15-00, 03:04 AM
Once you have repaired the cause of the water damage, a 6 ml. polyethylene should be placed against the concrete from grade level to the basement floor with enough length that the bottom plate of the frame wall sits on top of the poly. Over lap & seal at the joints & base. This is a MOISTURE BARRIER. Its purpose is to isolate all wood members and insulation from contacting the concrete. Even though you may have damproofed the basement from the exterior, water can still diffuse through the wall caused by soil pressure.
Once tou have studded & insulated the wall, you apply another 6 ml. poly on the warm side of the insulation. This is the VAPOUR BARRIER. It prevents the warm, moist interior air from entering the wall cavity and condensing.Again, seal all joints.
Once tou have studded & insulated the wall, you apply another 6 ml. poly on the warm side of the insulation. This is the VAPOUR BARRIER. It prevents the warm, moist interior air from entering the wall cavity and condensing.Again, seal all joints.
