Replies

1. 
   BillR_ | May 31, 2000 11:43pm | #1

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   Fred,

   You might start with measurements. A Radio Shack thermo-hygro-meter ($29) is not too bad. Record the temperature and humidity in the room. The meter also has a satellite probe. Set up some books and measure the temperature and RH behind the books. If you go through several rainy spells and the dog days of summer, and if the room RH stays below, say 60%, and the RH between the books and the wall stay below, say, 70%, you should be okay, but borderline. If you fail this test, then a local vapor barrier won't help. If you pass this test, and if there are any downspouts near where the books are going to go then some poly would probably help the books. But watch out for ugliness between the wall and the poly, and make that area removeable and cleanable.

   If the basement is damp, put the books in the attic.

2. 
   Fred_Mulfinger | May 31, 2000 11:46pm | #2

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   I just read the article about finishing basements in the recent issue of Fine Home building (thanks!), and have a question about vapor barriers. A large part of what I want to do involves shelving for my books, and the thought of moisture migrating from the concrete walls through the insulation into the books worries me. Should I install a moisture barrier behind the areas where I plan to install shelving, leaving it out in other areas? Or should I not worry?!!