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.
Is a vapor barrier necessary in 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.
Where should I put the vapor barrier in my basement?
Building experts recommend installing vapor barrier in a basement against the foundation walls before placing studs and insulation.
Should you put plastic over insulation in basement walls?
Do basement 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.
Do I need a vapor barrier between concrete and vinyl flooring?
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 I need a vapor barrier between concrete and laminate flooring?
Vapor barriers and laminate flooring underlayment If your installation is over concrete, we recommend a 6-mil-poly vapor barrier – even if the underlayment you are installing already has a vapor barrier attached.
Should you put vapor barrier on concrete floor?
Subfloor Material Therefore, because concrete is porous, it’s a good idea to install a vapor barrier over your concrete subfloor before installing your flooring. This way you can stop the vapor drive of water upward to your floors, protecting them from any damage (source).
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.
Do I need a vapor barrier behind drywall?
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.
Can I install vapor barrier myself?
Provided you’re not claustrophobic, installing a vapor barrier is a project most homeowners can DIY. You will need to calculate the square footage of your crawl space, so you can buy the appropriate amount of liner.
Why do people put plastic on basement walls?
It may help prevent condensation in the wall cavity during winter, and it will meet code. You just need to hope that no liquid or vapour water gets into the cavity from the foundation wall.
Can you put vapor barrier on both sides of insulation?
Avoid installing vapor barriers on both sides of a structure. Walls and ceiling cavities should ideally have the ability to dry out in one direction if the other side is constructed to prevent moisture penetration. Seal all wall cracks and holes in the wall being vapor-proofed to block air gaps.
Why are my basement walls sweating?
Also called sweating, condensation shows up as water droplets, wet spots, or puddles on basement floors and walls. It happens when moist, warm air hits cool foundation walls or uninsulated cold-water pipes, dampening carpets, rusting appliances, and turning the basement clammy.
Should I seal basement walls before finishing?
Nothing will ruin a beautiful remodeling job like soaked carpets, moldy drywall and damaged furniture so it is essential that a basement be fully waterproofed before any finishing work begins.
Should you Drylock basement walls?
Of course, the reason you need to seal any basement foundation is because the foundation is porous. Moisture can come through the concrete, stone or block and cause a lot of problems under the house so sealing it is an integral part of the process in making sure your basement is clean and dry.
What is the best material to use for basement walls?
- It is also possible to use wood paneling to make foam or fiberglass insulation look great.
- The best material to use for basement walls would have to be precast panels.
Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?
Although vinyl plank flooring is well-known to be waterproof, it does not mean that liquids can seep through the cracks, grooves, or edges and become trapped under the planks, allowing mold to grow underneath your floors.
Should you vapour barrier basement walls?
Install a vapour barrier over the studs and insulation. In basements that have proven to be dry, a polyethylene vapour barrier is suitable. However, if you have any doubts or there is a risk of dampness in the basement, there are two alternate methods that may be better suited.
What happens if there is no vapor barrier under slab?
Without a vapor barrier, moisture would continually wet the bottom of the slab, as vapor will continuously drive from the high humidity below slab to the relatively low humidity above the slab.
What is the best moisture barrier for concrete floor?
Polyguard – The Best Prevention Against Water and Vapor Transmission Through Concrete Slabs on Grade. Polyguard Underseal Underslab Membrane and Polyguard TERM Floor Underlayment Barrier.
Can you put laminate directly on concrete?
Laminate flooring can be used immediately after installation. Laminate flooring can be installed over concrete, wood or carpet subfloor or other surfaces. Installation of good quality underlayment is highly recommended. Installing underlayment is easy but it has to be done precise to avoid any tears.
How do I stop moisture coming through concrete floor?
- Allow the concrete slab to dry.
- Use damping agents.
- Use the right vapor retarder.
- Install proper underlay.
- Consider the building site.
Do you tape vapor barrier to floor?
A vapor barrier is usually run up the walls a bit for concrete floors and then secured using special Christmas tree fasteners. Also, a special type of tape seals all of the seams between the sheets of vapor barrier.
What is the best type of flooring for a finished basement?
The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof. Vinyl flooring is made of PVC making it durable and waterproof.