VAPOR RETARDER. A vapor-resistant material, membrane or covering such as foil, plastic sheeting or insulation facing having a permeance rating of 1 perm (5.7 ´ 10-11 kg/Pa × s × m2) or less, when tested in accordance with the dessicant method using Procedure A of ASTM E 96. Vapor retarders limit the amount of moisture vapor that passes through a material or wall assembly
Vapor barrier is commonly used in the basement on the outside of the wall to keep the ground moisture out of the wall materials. If the wall is existing, and earth is against the outside of the wall, it is not uncommon to apply a retarder to the inside of the wall prior to adding insulation or finish materials.
In cold areas vapor barrier is applied to the wall on the WARM SIDE IN WINTER over the insulation to keep moisture from getting to the insulation and condensing as the air gets colder on the outside of the wall. The building codes actually require this application in most areas.
Hope this helps!
Terry
The best thing to do if you want to prevent your basement windows leaking when it rains, is to call in a professional. You can buy home sealing kits but they can be very expensive.
One of the most important and overlooked aspects of basement remodeling involves waterproofing. Sealing a basement properly can prevent leakage, and save you money on future repair costs. Another possible option is to turn your basement into a storage area, saving you valuable space upstairs.
The best insulation to use is spray foam, although it is an expensive option. Another option that is less expensive is 1" rigid foam board. Both of these options eliminate the need for tar paper or a vapour barrier as they are self-sealing applications. Avoid using batt insulation w/vapor barrier in basement applications as condensation may occur which will encourage mould growth.
Base seal is a wonderful basement sealing product. you can find in at Baseal.com or on Amazon. Also try home depot or lowes and talk to their customer service reps.
Basement may be so wet feeling due to the humidity and unsealed area in the basement. You can get rid of the wet feeling by sealing up any holes with concrete and keep the room well conditioned by an air conditioner to keep cool and from feeling wet.
The rim or band joists in the basement are a bad place to insulate because it will cause the floor above to always be cold. Heat rises, and any heat in the basement from the furnace unit will rise and help warm the floor. Insulating will trap heat in the basement.
Cracks from expansion or settling are fairly common, but sealing them will ensure no seepage of ground water in the future
Basement waterproofing refers to the process of making a basement or cellar water-resistant. It involves various techniques and methods that are used to prevent water from penetrating into the basement and causing damage to the foundation and walls of the building. Some of the common methods of basement waterproofing include installing a sump pump, sealing cracks and gaps in the walls and floor, installing drainage systems, and applying waterproof coatings or membranes. These methods are designed to redirect or prevent the entry of water into the basement and protect the structure from water damage. Basement waterproofing is important because water damage can lead to structural problems, mold growth, and other health hazards. By preventing water from entering the basement, homeowners can ensure that their property remains safe and secure.
The homophone for "sealing" is "ceiling."
In a basement, the earth itself (and sometimes bedrock or large boulders) prevent extreme temperature extremes from occurring. In the summer, the basement would then be relatively cool compared to the outside temperature. Also in summer where people have basements, it gets humid as well as warm. When this humidity gets into the basement, some of the moisture in the air condenses out onto cool surfaces. This results in a general dampness in a basement. And, this dampness can become a kind of mustiness, since many basements have poor ventilation to circulate fresh air through them.
The homophone for "ceiling" is "sealing".
I would, block foundations will always crack between joints. Hang a sheet of plastic and put the wall in front of it.