If I am reading Plumber Tom's reply correctly he is right and Piffin is wrong.
The discrepancy comes in the terminologies and use of the words 'vapor barrier'.
The reality is that 6 mil plastic is indeed a 'vapor barrier' while kraft faced paper on insulation is a 'vapor retarder'
The two are not the same.
6 mil plastic NEVER belongs over the studs and under the drywall in a basement.
I believe that is what Tom the Plumber stated.
He said a 6 mil true vapor 'barrier' belongs against the block, masonry or wood foundation wall and that is correct.
The purpose of this barrier is to prevent moisture from entering the basement thru the block or masonery foundation from entering the living space.
However, a kraft faced paper is required on the warm side of the framed walls in front of the masonry walls so that during heating seasons the warm, moist air from the living quarters of the basement does not move OUT and into the colder masonry walls of the foundation and condense.
Unless I am misunderstanding both Piffin and Tom the Plumber, Tom the Plumber's answer is most proper and most correct. |
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