So I know this is kind of a rabbit hole question — mostly because I've been down that hole for the last month reading articles that disagree with each other. I'm hoping the folks here can give me a more practical answer..
I live in Maryland, so it does dip below zero on occasion here. My basement is all concrete, and I've never seen a drop of water. Realizing that concrete sweats (even if I can't see it), my plan is;
- put up 3/4" EPS
- fill the walls with standard insulation
- cover with a plastic moisture barrier sheet before putting up drywall
- Dricore subfloor
My question is basically; is that the right way to go? Do I need to change anything to make sure I stay moisture/mold-free?
Best Answer
I would NEVER put up plastic on the outside basement wall. All you will do is trap the moisture in the wall and create an environment perfect for mold. Especially with batt or blown insulation behind it.
EPS actually breathes water vapor and is better than standard insulation for vapor passage.
Moisture from the wall has nowhere to go but through the wall and needs to dry to the inside. The ground outside is already full of moisture so it can't dry to the outside.
Check this website here.
Read the various articles on vapor barriers and mold. These articles are written by experienced individuals, some with PhD's in building construction like this guy.
These people know a lot more about construction than any site I have ever seen.
Good Luck!