Foundation Wall Vapor Barrier

We used thermax brand available through lumberyards of polyethylene vapor barrier because it doesn t require an additional fire barrier.

Foundation wall vapor barrier.

The science of moisture movement. Concrete pros recommend vapor barriers even in dry climates because soil always harbors moisture which the drier air will pull out. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. This not only insulates the walls but also keeps rising dampness in the concrete from getting into the crawlspace.

Before finishing your basement you must consider putting a vapor barrier on the foundation walls this often neglected feature is critical to successfully finishing the basement because it. A vapor barrier is the key to waterproofing under a concrete basement or slab without a vapor barrier moisture can lead to a damp floor indoor humidity and mold. After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. Thus installing vapor barriers on wall surfaces must.

Foundation wall vapor barrier system protect your basement by installing a proper foundation wall vapor barrier. A common but incorrect approach by contractors that attempt to install an encapsulation system. Cover exposed foundation walls with 1 1 2 in. Water vapor can pass through building materials in several ways including direct transmission and by heat transfer but studies suggest that fully 98 percent of the moisture transfer through walls occurs through air gaps including cracks around electrical fixtures and outlets and gaps along baseboards.

Vapor barrier ran up foundation wall and stapled to sill plate. An encapsulation system is a heavy duty cord reinforced liner that is fastened and sealed to the foundation wall. Of rigid moisture proof insulation.