ᐅ Is a vapor barrier necessary in the basement with waterproof concrete and underfloor heating?
Created on: 27 Mar 2020 09:37
O
Oakland
Hello everyone,
Since the roof is currently being worked on, the roofer asked me if he should also install a vapor barrier in the basement. I pointed out that the concrete used is waterproof concrete, but he replied that while the floor and walls are resistant to water under pressure, they are not vapor-tight.
Is he just trying to generate extra business, or is he correct?
Thinking one step further: assuming I agree to have this vapor barrier installed, won’t other trades (electrical and plumbing) be drilling holes through it and thus making it ineffective?
By the way, our basement will be fully equipped with underfloor heating. Isn’t that enough to remove any potential moisture coming from the ground?
Thank you very much and stay healthy!
Since the roof is currently being worked on, the roofer asked me if he should also install a vapor barrier in the basement. I pointed out that the concrete used is waterproof concrete, but he replied that while the floor and walls are resistant to water under pressure, they are not vapor-tight.
Is he just trying to generate extra business, or is he correct?
Thinking one step further: assuming I agree to have this vapor barrier installed, won’t other trades (electrical and plumbing) be drilling holes through it and thus making it ineffective?
By the way, our basement will be fully equipped with underfloor heating. Isn’t that enough to remove any potential moisture coming from the ground?
Thank you very much and stay healthy!
Oakland schrieb:
The vapor barrier should of course only be applied to the floor and extend just 20cm (8 inches) up the walls, which corresponds to the height of the floor construction. Then it’s only half as interesting as I first thought. Whether it makes sense depends on how long the slab was able to dry. Some experts even believe that with waterproof concrete (WU concrete), a vapor barrier is generally not necessary. I’m torn on this, especially considering that the barrier will be perforated multiple times by subsequent trades.
Regards, Nika
The basement slab has been drying since November, so it should be thoroughly dry by now. Additionally, it is insulated underneath.
I just asked my heating engineer and was advised to install a vapor barrier.
No matter how many people you ask, it seems to be a 50:50 matter. At least, that’s my impression.
I just asked my heating engineer and was advised to install a vapor barrier.
No matter how many people you ask, it seems to be a 50:50 matter. At least, that’s my impression.
Oakland schrieb:
No matter how many people you ask, in the end it’s a 50:50 matter. At least that’s my impression.That’s exactly right. Even experts don’t have a strong opinion on this. However, I haven’t read anything that says it’s mandatory for watertight concrete (WU). The general consensus is more along the lines of “better safe than sorry.” I would base the decision on the amount of additional cost.Best regards,
Nika
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