Basement wall construction


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Old 05-19-18, 11:09 AM
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Basement wall construction

Air space or not?

I have at least one experienced contractor telling me to leave a space between the 2x4 walls for air circulation of the concrete, and I called in to a local homeshow (been on the radio and tv for years doing houses) and he said he would put a vapor barrier against the wall, the polystyrene insulation up against the wall and use the 2 x 4 wall to press against it, so no glue/fasteners needed.
 
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Old 05-19-18, 02:38 PM
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Here we go again, under no circumstances use any kind of plastic anywhere on the walls, you will just be creating a issue in the future that you or future owners dont need.

Lots of discussion on how to insulate the walls, personally I like the simple approach of using conventional materials and leaving gaps so that natural air flow removes any moisture.

Others use expensive foam to seal the walls, you have to decide,

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Old 05-20-18, 05:42 AM
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you'd think in that case that well-know builders don't follow that guidance, many other videos that attache foamboard to walls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aulgjB4rFU0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i48Tdi4H1TY&t=125s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKQdo88Ne74


This is the typical way in Canada (I think) and I live in Maine showing space between walls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGjO1wddX7A
 
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Old 05-20-18, 06:51 AM
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Never stated that it cant be done, just showing alternative method that works and can save thousands in material costs!
 
 

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