If you are inside your home’s warranty period, now is the time to check with your local building authority to see if pressure treated lumber is required for plates in contact with concrete. There’s a good chance the answer is yes. If the builder has to come back and fix, its pretty straightforward to change a plate.

What happens if you don’t install vapor barrier?

Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.

Do you need vapor barrier in basement?





Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, writes: The short answer is: Don’t use a vapor barrier in a finished basement. This is asking for trouble, especially with a full bathroom, which generates a lot of humid air. Rigid foam board on the interior, like you have, is the ideal insulation.

Are Vapour barriers necessary?

A vapour barrier is an important component in building construction. Its purpose is to help prevent water vapour from reaching building walls, ceilings, attics, crawlspaces or roofs, where it can condense and cause building materials to rot or grow mould.

Do you need vapour barrier on concrete floor?

Subfloor Material



You’ll typically need a vapor barrier if you’re installing flooring over concrete. Therefore, in high-humidity areas, moisture will move to a relatively low-humidity area, even through concrete.

Do you need a vapor barrier under vinyl plank?

Vinyl floors under 4mm should be installed right over the subfloor. If you have any areas on a concrete subfloor with moisture concerns, it is recommended to use a vapor barrier underlayment that will not add any cushion to the planks.

Do vapor barriers cause mold?





One of the more common problems with crawl spaces that do not have a crawl space vapor barrier system is that they create high moisture levels, which may result in mold growth – as dampness creates the ideal environment for mold growth.

Should I put plastic behind drywall in a basement?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Over the past few years a lot of people aren't finishing their basements right away they're not finishing this wall system putting drywall on it the problems that can happen with that Stewart. Is with

How do you install a vapor barrier in a basement floor?

Steps to install a vapor barrier on basement concrete floor

  1. Choose a vapor barrier/retarder. …
  2. Remove any debris and dirt. …
  3. Unroll and cut vapor barrier. …
  4. Apply adhesives on the side edges. …
  5. Seal the vapor barrier to the wall. …
  6. Seal the vapor barrier seams. …
  7. Fix the damage.


Should I put plastic on basement walls?



Should I use Visqueen or plastic sheeting on the framed basement walls? No, you should not, as plastic will prevent moisture from moving through the wall and will lead to mold and damage.

Does concrete need plastic under it?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But you want to have a six mil plastic. That's code to put down over the slab or I should say the dirt. Before you pour your slab. The reason that is is moisture migrates from the dirt up.

How do you add vapor barrier to an existing slab?

How to Install a Vapor Barrier on a Concrete Floor

  1. Select the Vapor Barrier. …
  2. Clean Floor and Perimeter Walls. …
  3. Apply Butyl Tape to Walls. …
  4. Unroll and Trim Vapor Barrier Sheets. …
  5. Apply Vapor Barrier Seam Tape. …
  6. Fasten Vapor Barrier to Wall.



Where should I put the vapor barrier in my basement?

Vapor barriers should be located on the exterior of basement assemblies allowing inward drying to the basement space where moisture can be removed by ventilation or dehumidification.

What is the difference between a moisture barrier and a vapor barrier?

Moisture barriers function to help in preventing water from entering inside of the wall cavity. On the other hand, vapor barriers basically prevent water vapor from the interior of the house to filter through the wall and condense on the warm side of the insulation.

Is Drylok a vapor barrier?

Drylok Is an Effective Vapor Barrier



During home construction, it can be applied to either the interior or the exterior of the masonry walls in your basement. Applying Drylok or another vapor barrier to the exterior of the wall is ideal in a warmer climate where humidity is higher outside.

Should I put Drylok on basement floor?



Drylok is a must when finishing your basement. With the threat of water damage, your basement floor will not maintain its good condition. The concrete basement floor is porous, which allows water to stay on the surface. Remember that you can only use Drylok on exposed masonry and concrete surfaces.

Will mold grow on Drylok?

It takes roots, feeds and multiplies. The chemical makeup of Drylok paint is a particular food source that mold actually likes (mold also grows on wood and many other similar surfaces as those are food sources as well) so the mold has food in plenty if Drylok is present.

Do cinder block walls need to breathe?

Nowadays, houses are sealed up tight as a drum. It’s great for energy efficiency and your heating bill. But it’s bad for any moisture hiding in your home that can’t find its way out. That is why your walls need to breathe.

Should I insulate concrete basement walls?

Walls. Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.

How do you waterproof a cinder block basement wall?



For the best method for sealing concrete block walls and the best cinder block water barrier, read on.

  1. Apply a Coating Directly On the Bare Wall. …
  2. Use a Breathable / Permeable Barrier. …
  3. Use a Weather-Resistant Elastomeric Layer. …
  4. Use “The Pink Stuff” …
  5. Repair Cracks and Fill Voids First. …
  6. Install an Air and Moisture Barrier.