Ben has begun to frame in the basement. We’re focusing on the bathroom down there so we can move onto the upstairs bathroom once we have a place to shower! After all the bathroom upstairs was the big priority in this renovation phase.
Here’s what the framing is looking like so far:
And from another angle (you’re looking at the walk-in shower with a half-wall):
9 responses so far ↓
1 Mark // Mar 8, 2009 at 8:27 pm
The walls look a little damp like mine. Are you just going to put up membrane, vapour barrier and insulation board over it? I’m facing the same issue.
2 Leonk // Mar 8, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I was wondering .. but where’s the water barrier? i.e. tyvek water barrier or 1/2″ rigid foam that goes between the framing and brick wall. Because it’s not seen, I’m assuming then there’s a 1/2″ gap between the framing and the wall and you’re planning on using spray foam? (A lot more expensive, but people like Mike Holmes pimp the heck out of it)
If not, then your basement may feel very damp in the summer. Also, any moisture build up would hit the regular bat insulation/wood framing, and create mold in very little time.
Also, is the bottom plate sitting on bare concrete or was some sort of barrier used? (to stop wood from wicking up moisture from the concrete which sweats into itself)
3 anke // Mar 9, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Hi gentlemen
We’re definitely using a plastic barrier under the bottom plate to avoid the moisture issue you describe.
We’re still evaluating the best possible way to ensure a good barrier on the walls. We know that a brick house needs to “breathe” so we’re researching the best way to solve both problems.
Leonk it sounds like you’re suggesting tyvek water barrier? Is it accurate to say you go brick - tyvek - insulation - polytarp and then drywall?
Thanks.
4 Leon Kiriliuk // Mar 9, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Hi Anke,
You are correct. Take a look at this:
http://www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca/Asset842.aspx
Should give you all the info you need.
5 anke // Mar 9, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Thanks so much Leon.
Best.
6 KarynF // Apr 14, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Hey, I love your website. My partner and I are undertaking a similar home reno, and we are just about to frame our basement. We are going to copy your tyvek/insulation/vapor barrier method. The home depot website isn’t showing a hit for tyvek homewrap, and I’m wondering where you got it? Also, did you wrap your bottom plate with the tyvek, or a 6 mm. poly? Thanks!
7 anke // Apr 15, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Hi KarynF
Good luck with your renos. What a fun/frustrating experience it all is.
We bought the tyvex at Home Depot. I too had a hard time finding it on their website but our contractor got it at the Home Depot.
We put 6mm poly on the concrete floor under the 2×4.
Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.
8 JJ // Oct 5, 2009 at 1:11 am
Hi there, I am in the process of starting to reno my basement. I would like to know, would it be a good idea for me to use the tyvek sheet to place against the basement wall(interior) before framing?. One this is done I am thinking of framing and using the R20 Pink Insulation and then a Vapour Barrier and finally the drywall. Is this a good way to start off the basement reno. My house is 4.5 years old. And also I have been told that I am better off using metal studs instead of lumber(2*4) for framing?
Thx
9 alan fiore // Feb 4, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Metal studs are great for building bulk heads but use wood for your walls etc..
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