Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
cowbell23

Delta FL or other membrane on basement walls?

cowbell23
12 years ago

Ready to remodel my basement and have a few questions. Any help would be much appreciated. Home was built in the 50�s with a partially below grade basement (approx. � below and � above. I do not think that I have a major water problem but I�m going to wait a few months to begin the work just to be sure. But being a basement, it�s a little damp and is some areas, there is a white powder just below grade that I�m assuming is water seepage. As of now, the basement is completed gutted and I�m watching it closely. If all goes well, I�ll start the renovation in early spring. The plan is to use a Dricore or a Delta FL or a Super Seal membrane on the floor (leaning towards the Delta FL or Super Seal because it seems like it would work better as a moisture/vapor barrier. Also, I read here and there that Dricore has potential to mold due to the fact that the bottom has exposed particle board edges.). Then, now here�s the big question, I wanted to hang a dimpled membrane (Delta FL or Super Seal) from the wall at a height TBD (obviously above grade but if I went a little higher, I can from the wood just below the floor joists. Seems easier to screw into the wood frame than the concrete wall). I would bring that down to the floor leaving an inch or two return on the floor and install the floor on top of the return, taping the seams where the floor meets the wall (and everywhere else). Then I would use some sort of rigid insulation on top of that, stud on top of that and green sheetrock on top of that. Does this seem like a good idea or is it a recipe for disaster because there is no where for the moisture coming thru the walls to go (it will be trapped btw the concrete wall and the membrane barrier. Super Seal advertises that their membrane can be used in interior applications but with a French drain installed. I do not think that I�m getting that much water that would justify the cost or need for a french drain. There are also 2 schools of thought on how to install these products. Completely seal it with spray foam to block any airflow and the other suggests leaving a � inch gap where the wall meets the floor to promote airflow. I�ve been looking around and no one seems to be doing what I want to do. One last thing, I will frame out a 5 X 10 boiler room in the corner of the basement that I will not be installing the wall membrane or a floor system to. Is this good or bad? (considering the airflow question). Thanks in advance.

Comments (3)