I would like to insulate and finish my basement but am concerned about moisture. IThe house is 39 years old with concrete block foundation. have never seen any liquid, but the brick is soft and flaking off in a few places. The block was painted before the previous owner sold the house, they said to conceal efluorescence. However the paint started coming off after less than a year. I repainted with eitter a thin primer or a thick "bathroom" paint. The bathroom paint is badly blistered but the primer is fine. I think this is because water is coming thru the wall, and the thick paint does not allow it to pass through. Question: 1) Is this condition anything to worry about, 2) Can I finish the wall with the usual studs and gypsum without causing mold problems? If not, is there a better way?

I am refinishing my DRY basement. Up here we had 6 + feet of snow this year which has mostly melted, and nothing ............. Anyway I will be using the steel 25ga 2*4 studs set about an 1 1/2 from the wall, then R11/13 then 6mil poly and my 1/2 dry wall I'm leaving the block wall alone, no sealer.... 1) In one area I have a sewage pipe on along the wall, this will cause the new wall to be set off about 6 inches from the block wall. Is there any problem with to much of an air space ? 2) The basement will be heated only when in use, will I have any problems with the existing insulation thats under the floor rafters for the first floor. I am currently split between a dry wall ceiling and a drop ceiling if that makes any difference (whats your preference) Regards Erik