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21 replies
5k views
21 replies
Yet another question about basement walls
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I have read a whole bunch of posts on the subject of basements and walls but still haven't quite found the answers to the questions I have. I am going to build a room in my basement for my oldest kid. The basement consists of lightweight concrete blocks and on the outside, there is a Platon mat, but no insulation. I am aware that many advocate just plastering the walls, but I still want to frame and put up boards. I have considered doing the following:
Would it be possible to build like this without having moisture problems?
Is a vapor barrier needed somewhere in the construction?
Would ventilation grilles also be needed at the floor?
Should there be an air gap even against basement walls that do not face the outside?
I have thought a lot about the ventilation in particular. If I have understood correctly, you usually leave an air gap along the entire floor and ceiling and then attach moldings and baseboards with spacers. However, I haven't grasped how this is supposed to work since there is a sill along the floor and a stud along the ceiling.
- Frame with 70X45 60c/c, 2cm from the concrete wall to create an air gap. Sill paper between the sill and the concrete floor.
- Stretch wire or alternatively nail noggins between the studs.
- Insulate with 45mm mineral wool.
- OSB
- Gypsum
- Ventilation grilles with about 180cm spacing at the ceiling (http://www.jula.se/ventilationsgaller-for-bat-130595 or something similar/nicer).
Would it be possible to build like this without having moisture problems?
Is a vapor barrier needed somewhere in the construction?
Would ventilation grilles also be needed at the floor?
Should there be an air gap even against basement walls that do not face the outside?
I have thought a lot about the ventilation in particular. If I have understood correctly, you usually leave an air gap along the entire floor and ceiling and then attach moldings and baseboards with spacers. However, I haven't grasped how this is supposed to work since there is a sill along the floor and a stud along the ceiling.
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Skip internal insulation.
-You can never be sure not to get mold problems
and it is the child's health you are risking...
Everything else is shortcuts to cut costs temporarily...
-Insulation should be placed externally.
-You can never be sure not to get mold problems
and it is the child's health you are risking...
Everything else is shortcuts to cut costs temporarily...
-Insulation should be placed externally.
Then I'll obviously skip the insulation! It's not particularly cold in the basement, and with a properly sized radiator, it should be fine.
The distance between the sill and the concrete floor, and between the ceiling joist and the ceiling was a good solution! That way I can avoid ugly grilles.
The distance between the sill and the concrete floor, and between the ceiling joist and the ceiling was a good solution! That way I can avoid ugly grilles.
There are also ventilated skirting boards that are used when installing floating floors on platon? Might be a nice solution to conceal at the lower edge?zenit said:
http://www.sodrainterior.com/sv/Produkter/Lister/Golvlist/Ventilerad-Golvlist/
The best you can do is to build with narrower leca blocks.... Keep it about 4" from the outer wall, then fill the space that is created with leca balls..... build and fill, build and fill.... Then plaster with masonry plaster or gypsum plaster, then apply a suitable material.... like paint or wallpaper....
Nothing organic in basement constructions, instead, stone, leca or concrete is that shit...
Nothing organic in basement constructions, instead, stone, leca or concrete is that shit...
Just like you, I considered framing the basement wall and had thoughts about air gaps, ventilation holes, and sheet materials, etc. However, after much deliberation, I decided to re-plaster the basement wall, which I did over the weekend.
The reason I opted for plastering instead of framing the wall was that I couldn't achieve proper ventilation of the air gap between a framed wall and the basement wall.
- If dust enters through the intake vents at the floor, there's a risk of the dust molding.
- If you skip intake vents at the floor and only have them at the ceiling, there's a risk of stagnant humid air behind the wall, which can lead to a musty smell.
- To get a properly ventilated wall, a dust filter and a mechanical fan are required, blowing air in at the floor and out at the ceiling.
- One idea I had was to frame with metal studs and then attach Minerit boards, completely airtight at the floor and ceiling, and then let the moisture diffuse out through the Minerit.
Write when you're done and tell me how you did it.
The reason I opted for plastering instead of framing the wall was that I couldn't achieve proper ventilation of the air gap between a framed wall and the basement wall.
- If dust enters through the intake vents at the floor, there's a risk of the dust molding.
- If you skip intake vents at the floor and only have them at the ceiling, there's a risk of stagnant humid air behind the wall, which can lead to a musty smell.
- To get a properly ventilated wall, a dust filter and a mechanical fan are required, blowing air in at the floor and out at the ceiling.
- One idea I had was to frame with metal studs and then attach Minerit boards, completely airtight at the floor and ceiling, and then let the moisture diffuse out through the Minerit.
Write when you're done and tell me how you did it.
you've made the most sensible action in your basement, I think.källare said:Just like you, I've considered building a framework for the basement wall and had thoughts about air gaps, ventilation holes, and sheet material, etc. However, after much deliberation, I decided to re-plaster the basement wall, which I did this past weekend.
The reason it ended up being plaster instead of a framework wall was that I couldn't achieve adequate ventilation of the air gap between a framed wall and the basement wall.
- If dust enters through the intake vents at the floor, there is a risk of mold growth.
- If you skip intake vents at the floor and only have them at the ceiling, there's a risk of stagnant moist air behind the wall, which can lead to a musty smell.
- To have a properly ventilated wall requires dust filters and a mechanical fan that blows air in at the floor and out at the ceiling.
Even if you get the indoor air to circulate between the wall and the drywall+ insulation, there's a risk it could condense on the coldest spots on the outer wall and create issues like mold or a musty smell.
Plaster and a few extra bucks for good heating+ ventilation provide a good living environment in a basement. If something starts to happen, you'll notice it immediately and long before mold allergies kick in.
Framed basement walls only look nice on the surface, but you have no control over what's happening behind them.
gaia
Oh oh oh, talk about being at a crossroads. Some are adamant that it should be plastered, while some I talk to think there are no issues with framing as long as you do it correctly. I really understand the plaster supporters; what's speaking against that solution for me is the cost. I'm in the process of plastering the walls in the future laundry room, and it's not easy indeed. In there, it doesn't matter that much, but I've tried to make it as smooth as possible, and it's turning out so-so. If I'm going to plaster in the kid's future room, I might have to hire someone who knows how to do that.
I thank everyone for the responses, and I hope more opinions will come. It's going to take a while before it's time to start with that room, so I'll have plenty of time to think it over many times.
I thank everyone for the responses, and I hope more opinions will come. It's going to take a while before it's time to start with that room, so I'll have plenty of time to think it over many times.
First, check if you have a basement that lets through a lot of moisture. You can do this by taping an age-resistant plastic to the wall or floor. Tape around the entire plastic so it seals tightly. Then check if condensation forms inside the plastic.
Doesn't it become impractical with an air gap between the floor and the drywall? Feels like it would collect dirt and dust in the gap.
Glue up gypsum boards if you don't want to plaster.