Vapor Barrier Basement
The conventional wisdom goes along these lines.
Vapor barrier basement. What is a vapor barrier and what is it used for. They are most commonly made of plastic or foil sheeting and are installed into the walls or ceiling of a home most typically in a basement in order to provide an additional layer of protection against water encroachment. Improperly installed a vapor barrier may actually trap moisture inside a wall while a wall that is more porous can breathe effectively and be less susceptible to long term moisture problems. Learn all about basement vapor barriers and how they work.
After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. A basement vapor or moisture barrier is installed during the new construction of a home or the remodeling of a basement. A capillary break under the bottom plate of the frame wall such as 6 mill poly is also a good idea to help protect the framing. Polyurethane sheeting is a typical vapor barrier that contractors use to prevent moisture from penetrating the walls of a basement.
Not every wall does. As the name suggests a vapor barrier is a material that prevents water vapor from passing through it. Building codes usually require a vapor barrier 4 mil plastic sheeting on exterior basement walls if the framing is attached to masonry or concrete surfaces or if the wood framing butts up against the outer basement walls. Building vapor barriers are generally considered beneficial necessary and required for building code compliance so i realize that taking a poke at the status quo will lead to some hostility.
Vapor barriers are materials that combat moisture diffusion through walls ceilings and floors. The goal of vapor barrier strategies is to prevent moisture from collecting and corrupting building materials. A basement vapor barrier is difficult to understand and even more difficult to install properly. If the slab is built over a layer of gravel with a sub slab vapor barrier then the basement space will be a lot dryer.
Vapor barriers can be misguided when used as dictated by building codes in cement basement walls.