How do we insulate our concrete basement wall and not cause wetness problems in the insulation?
Charles writes from Chillicothe, Ohio: “My full basement walls are 8″ reinforced concrete. My house is 7 years old and I have not had any liquid water leaks through the walls or floor. The walls are backfilled with clean gravel and the walls are coated with black mastic vapor barrier. A foundation drain was installed around the walls. The walls are completely or partially below grade except for one exposure that is entirely above grade where doors in the wall opens to a patio. No vapor barrier was sprayed on this exposure. We have had a bit of mold on the inside of the wall along the above-grade portion of the wall at the form joints. No mold anywhere else. How do we insulate the inside of the concrete basement wall and not cause wetness problems in the insulation from room moisture or moisture from the walls?” Answer: This is a complex question to handle via email. The Owens Corning Customer Service office is closed until Wednesday but I suggest calling then to discuss your situation.
