Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Vapor Barrier in walkout basement
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remoh
10-09-09, 08:26 PM
I just ripped out some drywall in my basement as part of a renovation project.
I was surprised to see that there is a silver reflective vapor barrier material over top of all of the insulation. Most of my basement is actually well above ground due to the grade so I'm not sure I understand the purpose of it.
Is it necessary for me to replace this or can I just drywall over top when I'm done? The insulation behind the vapor barrier does NOT have the paper facing that you typically see with fiberglass insulation. It's pretty much just the fiberglass insulation inside the stud cavities.
Should I be concerned that the insulation will eventually slide to the bottom of the cavity since there is no paper with staples holding it to the studs?
It seems to all be in good condition, apart from one small are where it looks like there may have been moisture at one time (kinda looks like wet cotton candy) and none of it has slid so far.
The house is 11 years old and it's in Maryland.
Thanks.
I was surprised to see that there is a silver reflective vapor barrier material over top of all of the insulation. Most of my basement is actually well above ground due to the grade so I'm not sure I understand the purpose of it.
Is it necessary for me to replace this or can I just drywall over top when I'm done? The insulation behind the vapor barrier does NOT have the paper facing that you typically see with fiberglass insulation. It's pretty much just the fiberglass insulation inside the stud cavities.
Should I be concerned that the insulation will eventually slide to the bottom of the cavity since there is no paper with staples holding it to the studs?
It seems to all be in good condition, apart from one small are where it looks like there may have been moisture at one time (kinda looks like wet cotton candy) and none of it has slid so far.
The house is 11 years old and it's in Maryland.
Thanks.
Bud9051
10-10-09, 04:32 AM
Here is some extensive reading as basements are perhaps your toughest project. Loose insulation up against the concrete is a problem with moisture. In your case you are probably getting by because it is mostly above grade, but best to understand the issues now that you have it open.
RR-0509c: Renovating Existing Basements — (http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0509c-renovating-existing-basements/view?searchterm=basement)
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/35017.pdf
Bud
RR-0509c: Renovating Existing Basements — (http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0509c-renovating-existing-basements/view?searchterm=basement)
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/35017.pdf
Bud