Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 1/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: Can I use Tyvek to wrap my interior basement poured concrete walls before I strap and insulate. Instead of Tar paper?

ANSWER: Hi Vic, Tyvek is an exterior product made for specific exterior applications.  Before trying on interior concrete walls I would contact Tyvek and ask them.

If the exterior of your foundation is properly drained with a footing drain and waterproofed with a good mastic or other accepted form of vapor barrier then you really shouldn't need any kind of vapor barrier on the interior.  In fact a vapor barrier on the interior, whether it be tar paper or whatever will trap moisture and potentially cause problems.  Who is telling you to do this?

I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help. Can I put fiberglass insulation between the studs and against the concrete walls or should I leave an air space between the insulation and concrete wall?

vic

Answer
Hi again Vick, if you are framing walls up against your concrete then it is probably a good idea to leave a half inch gap between the stud and the concrete which will give the insulation a small air gap that will allow any transient moisture to dissipate. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com