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Need fast answer on basement insulation problem!

10 years ago

Hi everyone, laying down the XPS foam insulation in my basement (vapor barrier already done) today followed by wire mesh and then pex tubing on top. My problem is, DO I NEED TO TAPE THE SEAMS ON THE XPS INSULATION? I had planned on duct taping but its raining like crazy here today and I don't know if I'll be able to get it to stick. XPS is tongue and groove and seems to hold itself down tightly but I won't be able to tape it after I start the mesh. I'm about 3/4 of the way done with XPS now so please reply if you can. Thanks.

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Comments (2)

jennybc
10 years ago
Vapor barrier is holding out moisture. Was it taped? I'm assuming it is also a radon barrier. I can't see the added being it of taping or caulking in some way. If you had said that the sheets were butted against each other then there would have been a good chance for thermal bridging through the air gap. But since there is no air gap and moisture has already been taken care of I can't think of a reason to additionally tape especially if the elements are making it a hassle. Just my thinking it through. Hope a pro here chimes in for you!

Jen
worthy
10 years ago
No need to tape. And certainly not duct tape.
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