Basement insulating to avoid moisture problems

11/1/2015 at 1:08:54 PM

The xps when sealed with tuck tape provides a great vapour barrier. So after framing you can add whatever level of batt insulation you desire.

Regarding the base plates. You will find that the blue board will not be sold once the existing stock is sold at all building centers.

There is the brown board that acts much the same way as the old blue, but is much more eco friendly. Be sure to by a small can of the brown stain that goes with the product. And liberally soak any cut ends you make in the original boards. Also install a roll of the 4" wide foam under the base plates prior to ram-setting them in place. All of the lumber above the baseplates can be standard framing lumber if you follow those steps.

Enjoy your basement.

James

11/1/2015 at 4:07:13 PM

Hi, MTL. The xps is a great product but I would also ad a 6 ml vapour barrier between the drywall and the batt insulation. As you mentioned, there are several thoughts on this subject but by combining the products you'll gain the best over-all coverage. As to the base plate, you can get by with a plastic or foam barrier between the concrete and the wood. The primary reason is so the wood wond absorb the moisture and rot or mould over time.

Regards,

Mark

11/2/2015 at 5:21:15 AM

A vapour barrier is needed to separate the cold area from the warm. Therefore there should always be 6mil used between the insulation and the drywall. A sill gasket should be used on your bottom plate as for using PT inside your home I would suggest reading the manufacturers suggestions on there product. If your basement is more than 4 years old you do not have to worry much about moisture destroying the bottom plate as long as you use a sill gasket. Unless you have moisture problems that should be all you need. I would also suggest that if you do have moisture issue and your home is more than 4 years old have that checked out before you finish your basement.