On this special edition of the build show matt takes us on a guided tour through the ins and outs of vapor barriers from the studio building. That is if the studs are going to touch the concrete wall. Your walls remain or get periodically wet throughout your homes life and you.
vapor barrier framing basement walls
In answer to your questions.
Vapor barrier framing basement walls. Vapor barriers when to use them when to not. This will give you two vapor barriers one before and one after the stud wall framing. In winter the dew point of the interior air is typically about 500f assuming an air temperature of 700f and a relative humidity of 50. A continuous plastic vapor barrier prevents condensation from forming on the internal surfaces of the exterior wall.
Any condensation on a properly installed continuous plastic vapor barrier will. Building codes usually require a vapor barrier 4 mil plastic sheeting on exterior basement walls if the framing is attached to masonry or concrete surfaces or if the wood framing butts up against the outer basement walls. By the way you need a thermal insulation on top of that too. A capillary break under the bottom plate of the frame wall such as 6 mill poly is also a good idea to help protect the framing.
The main concerns are condensation and drying potential. When the mold grows it will spread to everything around it studs drywall etc. When a vapor barrier is installed on the interior there is always a possibility that it can hinder inward drying. Not to be confused with a vapor barrierwhich is placed on the warm side of the wall just in front of the insulation and behind the drywall a moisture barrier goes against the basement wall and.
Most jurisdictions require a 4 mil plastic sheet vapor barrier for basement walls against concrete. Ive also been told i can put my framing directly against the poured concrete wall and also that i should move it in to leave a 2 inch air gap. If you have a framed wall that is adjacent to a concrete foundation wall where the vapor barrier is next to the drywall in front of the studs the fiberglass insulation gets wet and becomes a breeding ground for mold. You should then use fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier between the studs with the vapor barrier facing in toward the living space.
1 on the interior wall between the heated and unheated portion of the basement i would not use with a vapor barrier. Its advised to run a vapor barrier just to make sure you dont get any moisture issues after finishing. Im preparing to frame an unfinished basement and have been told both that i need a vapor barrier and that i dont. Since the temperature.
Ive tested the walls and floors with a sealed down piece of plastic and did not get any condensation.
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