How To Find Out If There Is An External Barrier In A Basement?

Basement walls play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of a building. They provide waterproofing, support the vertical load of the structure, and are designed to impede water and moisture passage. A moisture barrier, also known as a vapor barrier or damp-proofing layer, is a material designed to impede these passages.

To insulate the basement externally, insulation systems must have the following properties: they must allow the wall to draught open, and the vapor barrier should be installed on the warm side of the insulation, facing the interior of the basement. To secure the insulation to the walls, a strong adhesive is needed.

Various basement insulation techniques are available for both interior and exterior insulation. Building the soffit front involves ripping plywood strips to the depth of the soffit and screwing 2x2s even with both edges with 1-5/8 inch screws. Preassembling the 8-foot-long soffit side is recommended. Dark spots or white residue on the slab can indicate the absence of a barrier. Vapor barriers should not be placed on the interior of a basement wall, as the interior air is not where the dangerous moisture is.

Exterior waterproofing may not always be visible above grade, but damp-proofing outside below grade allows the wet wall to dry above exterior grade, unless the concrete is wet. Concrete basement walls should be waterproofed (exterior, below grade side of the wall) regardless of climate zone.

Does mold grow behind a vapor barrier in a basement?

Mold spores can grow behind barrier systems, causing toxins to overtake inhabitants of homes. In Philadelphia, a basement had heavy mold growth behind a plastic barrier. The removal was challenging due to the wet and dry conditions, and the need to prevent mold spread. A plan was followed to prevent mold from spreading, and the basement was cleaned of all mold and staining with a lifetime guarantee of no-return of the mold. The barrier system was used to hide the problem, but in some cases, the mold growth was visible behind it.

Is vapor barrier only on exterior walls?

A vapor barrier is a material used to slow or reduce water vapor movement through a material. It is installed on the warm side of insulation in a building assembly, depending on climatic conditions. Vapor barriers can be mechanically fastened sheet-material, adhesive membranes, fluid-applied materials, insulating board stock, or medium density spray polyurethane foam. The thickness of the material determines its vapor barrier status. However, water vapor may be transported by air leakage, which should be addressed by installing a proper air barrier.

What does a vapor barrier look like?

A vapor barrier is a thick plastic sheeting placed in a home’s crawlspace to control humidity. In Oregon and Washington, it must be black and no less than 6mm thick. This sheeting is placed during construction and covers the entire ground from foundation walls to the center, leaving no exposed ground. It is often not required in older homes, as it wasn’t required until recent years. The purpose of a vapor barrier is to prevent moisture from penetrating the soil and controlling the relative humidity of the crawlspace.

To ensure proper functioning, all ground must be covered, and seams should be overlapped and secured using construction grade tape or sealing system. Most crawlspace professionals recommend running the plastic sheeting up the foundation walls for additional protection.

Do all basements need a vapor barrier?

A vapor barrier is typically required in basements with masonry or concrete framing or wood frames that touch the outside walls. These barriers, typically 4 mils plastic sheeting, allow inward drying to the basement space, allowing moisture to be removed through ventilation or dehumidification. Moisture barriers, on the other hand, go against the basement wall and behind insulation and framing. Common types of moisture barriers include waterproof paints and sealants.

Waterproof paints form a barrier that water cannot penetrate, while sealants fill in cracks and pores in mortar joints, preventing water from seeping through. Both types of barriers are essential for maintaining a dry and comfortable basement environment.

How do you determine vapor barrier?

To calculate the necessary amount of vapor barrier material for encapsulating a crawl space, add the length and width of the space, multiply by two, and multiply by height. This will give you the square footage needed for the wall. Encapsulating crawl spaces can help eliminate moisture damage, prevent deterioration, and increase energy efficiency. The minimum recommended height between the ground and floor joists is 18 inches, with a maximum of approximately four feet. There is no one-size-fits-all vapor barrier, but there is a guideline to determine the necessary material for your crawl space.

What happens if there is no vapor barrier under slab?

Floor covering installers are aware that ground moisture can cause damage to adhesives and the floor covering. Vapor retarders, designed to limit water vapor from entering concrete slabs in contact with the ground, are essential in preventing this. Installing vapor retarders under a slab is a standard practice, as it helps prevent moisture from entering the slab and affecting the floor covering. Without a vapor retarder, the floor’s warranty may be voided and nearly a flooring failure is likely.

How to test basement waterproofing?

To detect a seepage issue in your home, place a garden hose about 10 feet away from the foundation wall and let it run for 20 minutes. In your basement, check if water is coming in at the floor where the wall rests on it. If water is coming in, it indicates a seepage problem that can be fixed with an exterior or interior waterproofing system. If water is not coming in, place the hose against the foundation wall on the outside and go into your basement immediately.

This will indicate if any cracks in the foundation wall leak. If a crack is going to leak, it should leak within minutes of placing the hose on the outside foundation wall. Cracks in foundation walls can be repaired either by digging out the crack from the outside and permanently repairing the wall, which AquaProof Inc offers with a Lifetime Transferable Warranty. Alternatively, a crack can be injected on the inside, which is cheaper but a temporary solution. If you plan to finish your basement or store valuable items, crack injection may not be the best option. These tests with your garden hose should help identify any water leaks in your basement.

What is a moisture barrier in a basement?

A vapor or moisture barrier, typically composed of polyurethane sheeting, is installed during the construction or remodeling of a basement to prevent the penetration of moisture into the basement walls and subsequent water damage.

What is the difference between a moisture barrier and a vapor barrier?

Moisture and vapor barriers are essential for keeping moisture out of your home, with moisture barriers being better at preventing liquids and vapor barriers being better at preventing water in its gaseous state. Materials for moisture barriers can be classified into three categories based on their permeability rating, as defined by the International Residential Code. Class 1 covers vapor barriers with the lowest permeability, such as metal, glass, and polyethylene sheets. Class 2 covers extruded polystyrene and plywood, while Class 3 includes materials like gypsum board, concrete blocks, and house wrap.

While it’s crucial to prevent mold infestations and moisture damage before they occur, it’s not always possible to address them yourself. If water damage has already occurred and mold is visible, it’s likely severe. Mold infestations usually start inside porous materials and don’t spread until a large mold colony is established.

What happens if you don’t have a vapor barrier?

Water beneath buildings is invisible to the naked eye, but water vapor can damage the foundation, subfloor, and main floor. A vapor barrier is essential to protect building materials from the negative effects of water vapor. Without a vapor barrier, concrete deteriorates faster due to water vapor intrusion, leading to foundation and building failures. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) outlines national standards for underslab vapor barriers, with ASTM E1745 specifying Class A vapor barriers for underneath concrete slabs.

The lack of a vapor barrier can lead to water intrusion, unstable foundations, and cracked slabs. The lack of a vapor barrier can lead to major disasters like the Surfside Condominium Collapse in Miami, Florida.

How do I know if my basement is waterproof?

Water is a significant threat to your basement’s health, leading to water damage, mold growth, and structural failure. To assess the basement’s water management, walk around the house during and after a snow, ice, or rain storm. Look for puddles around the foundation, ice freezing, and water streaming away or towards the house. Inside the basement, check for leaks or dampness, and feel dampness on the walls and floors. If you notice any water, dribbles, leaks, or dampness, it’s essential to waterproof the basement.

Waiting will only worsen the damage and increase the cost. Basement waterproofing is an easy step to ensure your home remains dry, healthy, and safe for years to come. Contact Thompson Brothers to schedule an assessment of your basement or crawlspace to see if waterproofing services can benefit your home.