Do I need a vapor barrier in my 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.

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.

Do you have to use a vapor barrier in basement walls?

If basement wall systems are designed and constructed to dry to the interior – regardless of where insulation layers are located – interior vapor barriers must be avoided.

Should you 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.

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.

Vapor Barriers: Need one or not?

Do you need a vapor barrier behind drywall?

The presence of an interior vapor barrier makes drying out the cavity harder to do, though. Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air.

How do I install a vapor barrier in my basement?

Should you insulate interior 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.

What happens if you don't have a vapor barrier?

The short answer is: if your wall doesn't have a vapor retarder, there is no need to worry. Builders worry way too much about vapor diffusion and vapor retarders. It's actually very rare for a building to have a problem caused by vapor diffusion.

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.

How do you insulate basement walls to prevent mold?

Do you need a vapor barrier for vinyl plank flooring in basement?

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.

Does a concrete slab need a vapor barrier?

Exterior concrete slabs or those in unheated structures don't require a vapor retarding barrier. However, if the surface will be sealed with an impermeable membrane or product, there should be a vapor barrier under the pad.

What should I put between wood and concrete?

Anyplace where wood meets the ground or concrete, the lumber must be pressure treated. For additional moisture protection, a gasket or strip of closed-cell foam can be installed between the concrete foundation and the sill plate.

Is a vapor barrier 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.

Does a vapor barrier prevent mold?

By installing a crawl space vapor barrier system, you will greatly reduce the moisture levels, preventing mold and foul odors from growing and forming.

Can you use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?

Reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting (poly) comes in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. A 6 mil thick poly is commonly used as a vapor barrier and offers short-term savings to the homeowner.

Do you need a vapor barrier with foam board insulation?

Vapor barriers are often installed in basements and crawl spaces to prevent ground moisture from leaking in. In houses with spray foam insulation, however, vapor barriers are not necessary.

Is Tyvek a vapor barrier?

Is DuPont^™ Tyvek^® a vapor barrier? No, DuPont^™ Tyvek^® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.

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.

How do I keep my basement dry and mold free?

Do most basements have mold?

If you're looking for mold, you often find it in the basement. It's the perfect breeding ground, because it is damp, dark, and above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Basements are also often unventilated, which makes it easier for humidity to stay in, and basement mold to grow.