[jih]

What is better for framing out a basement, wood or steel 2x4's. Also when insulating what vapor barrier is better none, kraft paper, foil or batts wrapped in plastic or a sheet of plastic before the wallboard is put up?

[labman]

Unless you know some trick to fastening insulation batts to steel studs, I would go with wood. Basements tend to be damp, perhaps a good place to go with the plastic wrapped batts.

I would meticulously seal up all cracks between the foundation and floor above. I am on a crawl space, but I caulked between the foundation and plate, plate and band joist, and band joist and subfloor. I also coated the block walls with a Portland cement based paint. I then ran insulation down the walls and out a couple of feet. The dirt is covered with plastic. My crawl space stays warm and dry all year around. In the summer, the pipes are not covered with condensation.

We have a plumbing whiz here, but are sort of thin in some other areas. I don't know if anybody can help on how to fasten insulation batts to steel studs or not. I do what I can, but I know more about dogs than construction.

[bmeier]

What is better for framing out a basement, wood or steel 2x4's. Also when insulating what vapor barrier is better none, kraft paper, foil or batts wrapped in plastic or a sheet of plastic before the wallboard is put up?

I'm in the process of finishing my basement, too, and am dealing with the same questions. In the basement, there is the moisture on the inside of the house, which could condense on the basement walls if they are too cold, but there is also moisture that can come through the concrete wall, even if there are no cracks. I decided to do with extruded polystryene, instead of fiberglass because it is not affected by dampness, plus my basement is not that large so the price difference is not so large.

I would agree with labman on the wood studs, although I know in my area for bottom plates, treated wood or cedar are required.

As for the vapor barrier, they all can be effective, it most depends on the installation. As materials go, I think the plastic is the most moisture resistant.

[nuke]

Hello,
I am remodeling a basement that was previously insulated with fiberglass in 2x4 walls with a paper moisture barrier. There is significant mold on the wallboard, 2x4s, and fiberglass. I would recommend the following website http://www.buildingscience.com/ go to the homeowner resources section. There is a guide to home insulation that addresses basement insulation, moisture and mold issues. Fiberglass in 2x4 walls directly in contact with the cement walls has been a common practice in the past but is a no-no . The EPS (extruded or expanded poly) is the way to go.

Dave