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.

Can you put drywall in a basement?





Due to the often damp conditions of the basement, be sure to choose sheetrock that is at least moisture-resistant (often call greenboard) but be on the lookout for products that are specifically resistant to mold and mildew (some kinds of purple board).

How do you install drywall on a basement wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We're running a bead down every one of our wall studs now okay we're gluing our walls as well as our ceiling. We glue everything when we hang now a lot of guys will just glue their ceiling.

Should you drywall basement ceiling?

If you want to get a simple and versatile finish, you should drywall your basement ceiling. Your ceiling instantly becomes aesthetically pleasing. But before placing the drywall, you should be careful with the existing ductwork, pipes, wires, and joists.

Should I put plastic behind drywall in a basement?

It’s like sealing a wet blanket inside a plastic bag. Vapour barrier or not, any kind of fiber-based insulation is risky to use in basements. It could work out or it might not. Waterproofing the inside of the foundation wall does reduce the risk, but leaks or vapour infiltration are still a distinct possibility.

How much space should be between studs and basement walls?





Be sure to maintain the 16-inch on-center stud spacing, and check the wall frame to make sure it’s plumb before nailing it to the beam.

What should I put between drywall and concrete?

The solution is covering concrete with a vapor barrier, which acts like a resistant cell membrane instead. With a shield in place, the drywall is safe. Typically, a stud wall is then installed against the concrete, but furring strips are quick, easy and take up less space.

Do you need to use green board in a basement?

Green board is intended for use for ordinary wall applications in areas that experience constant high humidity, such as bathrooms and basements, but it does not have the superior mold-resistance of newer products.

Do I need to seal my basement walls before finishing?

Water issues can cause serious damage and ruin your investment. Before finishing the basement, deep-seal your concrete against water seepage, water vapor, and soil gases like radon.

How thick should basement drywall be?



Drywall Size – Basement Drywall Thickness



Drywall boards come in 3 common thicknesses. There’s 1/4 inch drywall, 1/2 inch drywall, 5/8ths of an inch drywall and 3/4 inch drywall. The most commonly installed thickness, per my extensive Google searching, is 1/2 inch.

How do you finish a basement ceiling with drywall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Up up goes the sheet they're going to push it into. Position. Now the right side of the board will be tight to the wall up. Here. All right back your edge up a little bit tell me huh.

Do basement ceilings need insulation?

Yes. Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or “face” of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it’s ingested.

Are vapor barriers necessary?



Vapor barriers protect against mold and rot inside structures by preventing condensation and moisture from building up and damaging building materials. If a home is being built in a very humid climate, a vapor barrier can be an essential source of protection from problems caused by excess moisture.

How do you insulate basement walls to prevent mold?

The ideal Basement wall assembly to prevent mold growth:

  1. Install two inches of rigid insulation board directly against concrete. …
  2. Frame an interior 2×4 stud wall at 24 inch centres, pressed tightly against the foam panels.
  3. Install mineral wool batts in the cavities.

Does basement ceiling need vapor barrier?

If the basement is finished and has no moisture issues, the vapor barrier is not needed. If it has moisture issues, the vapor barrier is probably a problem.

Do you need to insulate basement walls below grade?

Your best bang for the dollar in this instance is to insulate the coldest part of the wall, again typically to 2-feet below grade. However, there are many instances where insulating the full wall is the best option, such as if your walls are stone, or the floor is earth or crushed stone with no vapor barrier.

Where does the vapor barrier go in a basement ceiling?



You want the vapor barrier on the oppsite side – the upper side of a basement ceiling. You can achieve that if you have, for example, sheet vinyl or something else that seals over the floor above. You are going to find that an inch of spray foam out of little cans will be quite costly.

Should you insulate basement walls?

Insulating your basement may seem like a project best suited for another day, but truthfully, insulating your basement walls can help improve comfort and reduce energy and maintenance costs to HVAC systems. It also allows for extra living space within a home, which can be invaluable.

How do you insulate finished basement walls?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It's already pre-cut you just grab it. Stuff it in between the joists. And slide it up tight to the top. And then what you do at the bottom is you'll cut a little piece at the bottom.

Will insulating basement walls make house warmer?

Yes, insulating your basement will help keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Basements are susceptible to moisture when it’s raining or cold outside, which may cause cracks and blisters. Insulation can help heat transfer and restricts moisture from penetrating through the walls.