Keeping mold and musty smell out of the basement

I am redoing my basement. The previous owner put plastic sheeting up tight to the block wall then batt insualation between the studs (which were touching the block in some places). As I ripped some of the walls down there was a musty smell and some of the 2x4 framing was saturated (what was in contact with the concrete).

I will be using treated wood where contact is made with the concrete.

My question is with a gas fireplace for heating and we run a dehumidifier in the summer what should i do for a vapor barrier? Do I need one?

Some of my research is suggesting to use insulation bats between the studs and then plastic sheet between the studs and drywall. I'm not sure how well i can make this work around the gas fireplace with the exhaust piping and non-combustible clearances.

Thank you for any advice in advance.

 

Up here, the vapor barrier, if used, goes on the inside of the wall so immediately under the drywall, as you have proposed. A 1 " air space between the block walls and the studs also helps.

 

thanks Mitch looks like we live in the same state so i will plan based on your direction. If used faced insulation should the facing be slit or can i use the facing as a vapor barrier rather than plastic sheeting?

Thanks!

 

BSD-103: Understanding Basements — Building Science Information

http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...lation-systems

Gary