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RickH RickH is offline
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Default Plastic Behind Drywall?

On Jul 10, 10:54*am, HerHusband wrote:
John,

Im putting up drywall in my basement. Two of my walls are exterior
walls and my studs are about 6 inches from the wall. Should I put up
plastic as a moisture barrier before putting up the drywall. Im not
installing any type of insulation.


If you are going to install a plastic moisture barrier, you would want it
against the concrete wall, not behind the drywall. The idea is to keep
moisture out of the wall, not trap moisture in the wall.

I'm assuming, of course, your basement walls do not leak any. If that's the
case, you'll probably need some kind of perimeter drain and a sump pump.

As another poster mentioned, a paintable membrane like Drylok might be a
better option for a foundation wall than the plastic sheet.

Anthony


Even a plastic sheet directly over the concrete wall will form
condensation between sheet and wall and eventually smell moldy.
Whereas the DryLoc soaks in about an 1/8 inch or so and prevents any
moisture in the interior without condensation gap issues. Gives
basements a nice clean smell as long as you have HVAC return and
supply ducts to the space to reduce the air density and humidity
levels typical for basements. The best place for any membrane though
is outside the wall underground befor backfilling.