Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    runner_122's Avatar
    runner_122 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 19, 2007, 08:54 AM
    Insulating basement walls
    As per a previous thread I am in process of insulating my basement. I have taken the advice of TerryB with his great link to insulating. I have run into only a little problem I hope. I installed moisture barrier against the cement foundation, wood studded my walls and installed R-12. This was on Sat. morn. It is Mon. morn. Now and I am ready to put up the vapor barrier, just out of curiosity I reached in behind the insulation and it is very damp behind the moisture barrier and water has actually condensed on the section above grade where there is no moisture barrier behind the insulation. Now can this be because the last few days it has been very cold -6c(20f) and I had not yet put up the vapor barrier. I now have the insulation removed and allowing the wall to dry and waiting for my next step. As I type this the wall is almost completely dried already. PLEASE tell me it was because I did not put up the vapor barrier immediately. My basement walls have never had a moisture problem. Oh yea I do have the basement heated with baseboard heaters set at 20c(68f). Have lived here for three winters with just heaters and now want to insulate to be more efficient
    TerryB's Avatar
    TerryB Posts: 53, Reputation: 3
    Junior Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 19, 2007, 12:45 PM
    The moisture you mention is common. It was always there but you never had any plastic there to catch it before. It does indicate you have a slight problem with drainage around your foundation but short of actual seepage you should be OK. I would check for a proper membrane or foundation coating on the outside of your foundation. The building code flip flopped a few times, and a few unscrupulous builders have omitted these barriers in the past.
    runner_122's Avatar
    runner_122 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 19, 2007, 06:03 PM
    Thanks again TerryB, I will be attacking these walls tomorrow morning complete with vapor barrier this time. Just installed an air exchanger and getting rid of the portable dehumidifier, so hopefully by Christmas this bungalow will be a little more energy efficient. :)
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Concrete Basement Floor Insulating [ 4 Answers ]

I want to cover the concrete floors in my basement. Is there a recommended practice for insulating a concrete floor? I have seen the Dri Core type of subfloors, but I'm sure I could do it for less another way. Any Advice?

Insulating basement joists [ 2 Answers ]

:confused: finishing basement and I am curious as to how deep should I put the insulation in the joists. I am using #15 roofing paper 3/4's of the way up the cement wall with 2x4 studs and r-12 batts, then a polyurethane vapour barrier. Now should I bring out the insulation over the 2x4 stud of the...

Insulating bathroom walls in cinderblock basement [ 7 Answers ]

I have a cinderblock basement in Texas built on a slab foundation. How do I insulate and waterproof a bathroom in this area as two of the walls of the bathroom will be on the cinderblock walls. This is new construction. Cc russell

Non-loadbearing Walls in a Basement [ 2 Answers ]

I'm adding a Bedroom and a music room in my basement. I was informed that a Cap Plate in not needed. I've completed 1 wall with Top and Bottom Plates and toe nailed in the 2x6's is this method okay for code?

Basement Walls [ 3 Answers ]

I'm finishing my basement and have conflicting advice on how to wall the floating frame. In the bathroom I would like the wall tiles to go to the floor without the strip (baseboard) that goes around the base of the wall. First is this possible? Second, if possible how is it done? I've been told...

View more questions Search