Latest Discussions : Basement & Foundation

07:49AM | 10/10/02

Member Since: 10/09/02
2 lifetime posts

Basement framing

I am about to start finishing my basement. I have poured walls and have heard many ways to frame the exterior walls. Is it better to leave a gap between the poured concrete and my 2x4 framining studs - or do I butt the wall against the concrete with a vapor barrier. I live in Wisconsin and DO NOT want a moisture problem in my basement. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

LDoyle

03:37PM | 10/10/02

Member Since: 06/03/01
324 lifetime posts

I would suggest using a vapor barrier and be sure your bottom 2x4 is treated lumber.

doug seibert

06:57PM | 10/10/02

Member Since: 08/10/02
842 lifetime posts

Well depending on the construction/waterproofing/and insulation of that foundation wall............Experts indicate NO vapor barrier on the interior basement wall.........

See the doctor:
http://www.buildingscience.com/default.htm

GlennG

05:28AM | 10/13/02

The place to keep your basement dry is on the outside of the foundation wall, not on the inside. Trapping the moisture in the wall by using a vapor barrier inside can only let to further problems down the road.

Glenn

rwmorey

09:42AM | 10/13/02

Member Since: 10/12/02
6 lifetime posts

Hi..

I am planning to finish the basement of a condo my wife and I are buying. The unit is a middle unit so the two "long" walls are interior walls because their are units on either side of us.. And then the two "short" walls (the unit is basically 30'x15') are exterior walls. Since there is little I can do about keeping those exterior walls dry from the outside, what are the recommendations as far as moisture barrier on any of the walls? (They are all poured concrete..) Additionally, what about the spacing of my 2x4 walls in relation to the concrete walls? (How far away should I have the 2x4 walls?) I was also thinking of insulating the walls partly for moisture and also for additional sound proofing.. Any thoughts on that? Finally, as far as the comment of using treated wood for the wall base.. Do you mean just the 2x4 that is attached to the concrete floor?

Thanks!
Rich

WorkInProgress

10:03AM | 10/13/02

Member Since: 10/12/02
5 lifetime posts

Ok got it....no moisture barrier. Now what about Dry-Loc on an old block wall basement???

WorkInProgress

10:10AM | 10/13/02

Member Since: 10/12/02
5 lifetime posts

Sorry.....forgot to add....I saw the new Owens Corning Basement Solutions advertisment in the front page of the home site. Check it out. Looks good to me.