How to Frame Exterior Basement Walls So You Get No Moisture

In the struggle to save your home from the extensive and expensive damage that excessive indoor moisture can cause, it is critically important to consider how to construct your walls in a manner that help to control moisture. Since walls are the barriers between the inside of your home and the outdoors, they are the first line of defense in preventing moisture problems. Basement walls, for example, can be constructed in a manner that offers maximum moisture control.

Things You'll Need

Caulked metal flashing or EPDM-type membrane
Polyethylene film

Asphalt-coated or laminated papers or Kraft-backed aluminum foil
Oil-based or aluminum paint or vinyl wallpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Install a "capillary break" membrane inside the wall. The best materials to use for this purpose are caulked metal flashing or an EPDM-type membrane. Installed horizontally, this membrane will help prevent wicking of water up from the masonry foundation wall.
- 2
  Add a vapor barrier in all basement exterior walls. Use polyethylene film, asphalt-coated or laminated paper or Kraft-backed aluminum foil installed in all exterior walls between the framing and the interior sheathing or wall finish. This vapor barrier will prevent condensation inside the walls from making its way into the basement.
- 3
  Finish the basement walls with vapor-resistant paint or wallpaper. Types of paint that are best used as vapor barriers include oil-based or aluminum paints; look for those with a "perm" value of below 1.0 listed on the product labeling. If you would rather not paint your basement walls, vinyl wallpaper is known to resist vapor flow through walls so you can use it to help prevent excess moisture buildup inside the basement.

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