Finishing a basement with sealed concrete walls
goblue777
| Posted in General Questions on
I have a basement with sealed concrete walls. I am not sure if the previous owner used Kilz, drylock etc. The walls have a brick like form facing the interior as well. I should also mention that I live in zone 5a.
My first question is, would it be a bad idea for me to attach insulation or any vapor barriers to this wall since it has been sealed?
Also, since the wall has the brick like finish, it is an uneven surface. Would it be a problem that insulation would have significant gaps in some parts of the wall?
I would appreciate any advice!
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
goblue,
1. No it’s fine. Any sealing will act much like the vapour-barrier many people apply to the inside face of the concrete. Stem-walls don’t need to dry to the inside.
2. The small voids are not a problem, but “significant gaps" can be. It’s important to seal the perimeter of the foam to stop warm, moist interior air getting to the concrete and condensing there.
Most paints are not vapor barriers. I know that Drylok isn't, not sure about Kilz. It can be hard getting information from the manufacturer.
You definitely want a vapor barrier there, and there's no harm in having two.