On 1 Apr 2006 18:44:01 -0800, "
wrote:

Terry-
Thanks a lot for the link. Looks like good info.

I guess if I go with NO air gap but have the plastic sheet on both
sides of the stud wall, that will protect the studs from any moisture
emanating from the wall. Also, having little or no air gap will reduce
the amount of moist air from the house to get between the stud wall and
the concrete wall.

But it also seems having an air gap would help to ventilate any
moisture that may tend to collect between the fram system and the wall.



I think the air-gap is a bad idea. If the pocket is sealed off,
then at best it does no good at all. If the pocket is vented
to the inside, then you've created an inaccessible area where
mildew and vermin can hide, from which they can invade your
living space.
If they're vented to the outside, then you're
guaranteeing moisture in the pocket, where it might not
otherwise be. This might be a good idea if you KNOW
you've got water problems that you can't actually solve,
but:

Far better to solve any bulk-water intrusion
issues first, then seal the wall against vapor, and put
close-cell foam (either spray or panel) up against the wall.
and then build the studwall against that.
The indoor side of the foam won't condense moisture, because
it's not cold. The wall-side of the foam won't condense
moisture, because water vapor cant get there, and there's
no room anyway. No moisture, no mold.