MOLD IN YOUR BASEMENT?

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It seems that with each new building practice being adopted there is a significant delay in public application of the new knowledge. Basement insulation is a good example of this. Frequently, I run into basement remodel projects where the basement walls are insulated with fiberglass batt insulation and encapsulated by poly on both sides—taped and caulked on the interior layer. Surprisingly, no one else has suggested to the home owner that anything be changed prior to finishing the basement. Using sealed vapor barriers was a required practice just a few years ago, but has been found to be a big problem for home owners. As noted by Buildingscience.com as far back as 2002 the common basement insulation methods were in many cases a collection area for moisture and subsequently mold growth.

SO WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO INSULATE YOUR BASEMENT?

The best way is to frame the block wall about 1 1/2” away from the concrete and then spray foam the wall cavity filling the framing as well as the open area behind each 2 x 4. This also includes spray foaming the rim joist and wall cap area as well. Sprayed polyurethane foam provides a thermo barrier, R value (R - 6 per inch) and no place to collect moisture and grow mold.

By Joe Nelson,

Twin City Home Remodeling, INC