Yes, you need a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from inside the home from traveling through the wall and condensing inside the insulation.
Should you put a vapor barrier on basement walls?
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.
Should you use purple board in basement?
For low-activity spaces, PURPLE XP® Drywall protects against the moisture, mold, and mildew often found in basements. Impact Resistant – PURPLE XP Hi-Impact Drywall provides added resistance against accidental holes.
Does drywall act as a vapor barrier?
The permeance of unpainted drywall is very high, generally between 20 and 90, so it’s not a vapor retarder at all. Meanwhile, air leakage through a 1 square inch hole in a sheet of drywall allows 30 quarts of water vapor to pass through the drywall under the same conditions.
Do you need Vapour barrier on exterior walls?
Because it is mostly hot and very humid outside the building, the vapor barrier should be installed on the exterior of the insulation. This is recommended to keep the outside moisture from getting into the less humid, cooler interiors and damaging the building’s structure.
Should I use 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.
Where do you put vapor barrier in basement walls?
Youtube quote:The air vapor barrier is actually on the warm side on this side of the wall. After the installation is done but before the dry walling the moisture barrier is actually behind that framed wall and this
Do I need moisture resistant drywall in basement?
Do I Need Moisture Resistant Drywall In The Basement? If your basement has any moisture problems, it’s a good idea to use moisture-resistant drywall. Moisture-resistant drywall is often called “greenboard” and has a thicker outer coating protecting it from absorbing water.
What insulation should I use in basement walls?
There are several types of basement wall insulation, including sprayed foam, bubble foil, foam board and fiberglass. Sprayed foam insulation is a viable choice for a homeowner who is looking for a do-it-yourself option for a finished basement. The foam is applied in exactly the manner as it sounds — with spray cans.
What material is used for basement walls?
poured concrete
The Basics of Basement Walls
First, you should understand basement wall materials. Foundation walls are usually made of poured concrete or stacked concrete blocks—not the most attractive surfaces.
What happens if you don’t use vapor barrier?
Youtube quote:We think it's due to the vapor barrier not being installed correctly. And the moisture is. Actually.
When should you not use a vapor barrier?
When building in hot, humid climates (zones 1 to 3), you shouldn’t have a vapour retarder on the interior side of the wall.
Water vapour that penetrates roof materials can cause considerable damage, including:
- Corrosion of steel materials.
- Growth of microorganisms.
- Reduced effectiveness of insulation.
What is the difference between a vapor barrier and a moisture 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.
Where does vapor barrier go under concrete?
However, if an impermeable paint or sealer is planned for the surface, a moisture barrier should go under the concrete. When preparing for a concrete pour, the vapor retarding barrier should be placed directly below where the concrete will be poured.
How do I install a moisture barrier in my basement?
Tips for Installing Vapor Barrier in a Basement
- Pull the barrier tightly across, and cover large surfaces as flatly as possible.
- Make sure not to tear or cut the material.
- Align the barrier right up to electrical outlets, pipes, windows and other obstructions, and use a sealant to secure the material.
Is a moisture barrier necessary?
When moisture penetrates your flooring, it can cause mold, mildew, and the potential for water damage. A moisture barrier helps control the water vapor’s movement to help protect your floors. Therefore, if you’re installing floors in an area that sees moisture, even a little, a vapor barrier is needed.
Do you need a vapor barrier for basement floor?
All for lack of an affordable, easy-to-install basement floor vapor barrier. Climate plays a part: In dry climates, contractors often skip the vapor barrier. But in average to humid climates, and anywhere ground water is abundant, an impermeable vapor barrier is essential.
How do you install a vapor barrier on an exterior wall?
Youtube quote:So the best way to cut it is just to put it in and then cut it right on the stud. Here it should hold on its own that's how you know and you shouldn't have any of any like folds in the insulation.
Do vapor barriers cause mold?
The Problem With Vapor Barriers
This can lead to significant moisture problems and mold; problems occur when walls get wet during construction or more often throughout the home’s life.
Does mold grow behind vapor barrier in basement?
Commonly installed vapor barriers often cause mold infestations. The real functional reason for most of these installations is to channel water down the inside of the wall into an evacuation system below.
