I live in one of the suburbs of Atlanta (Gwinnett, 30519). My home sits on a walk-out basement formed from poured concrete walls and floor, and 2×6 framing. In the original framing cavities, I have 6″ Miraflex insualtion (actually, its thickness is for 2×6 stud cavities).
When framing over the poured concrete walls, what is your position on handling moisture (potential), insulation, etc.? I know the contact points for wood is pressure treated (got that part), but some feel some sort of vapor barrier is a must, others do not and feel the finished wall needs to breath, etc., etc., etc.
Today I will perform the test to see is moisture forms on the inside surface of clear plastic that will be duct-taped (16″x16″ patch test) and left alone for 24-48-hours. If I see no moisture condensing on the plastic I take this as a good sign. Still, I did not know what the potentially opposing sides of this discussion could be.
I forgot to add that there will be a heat pump in the basement, so it should draw out some moisture, but I didn’t know if mentioning this is a factor or not. BTW, framing in the basement is complete. Next is electrical and then insulation. But …
Edited 6/7/2008 7:34 am ET by Nuke
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If the framed wall is made to allow an air path for moisture to excape, you'll be losing insulation value but moisture problems are less likely.
If a vapor barrier is put against the concrete and the wall assembly is sealed against air flow then insulation values are higher, but the moisture has to be kept at bay or moisture levels might climb to high enough levels to grow mold and whatnot.
Personally, I see the first as more fool proof, while the second is better if done well. Ridgid foam would be my choice over fiberglass. If you purchase the foam by the bunk you might be surprised how inexpensive it is. We bought some 2" pink foam for something like $1/sqft.
Good luck
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Is the concrete burried? If so a bituminous membrane(bituthane) should be used. Personally I like to blue foam between the wall and membrane. Just run your bituthane down the wall over the footer and dangle on the ground about an inch...
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