Barrier between insulation and concrete? (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Gould]

I have recently begun work on my basement home theater, and just completed the wood framing. I wish to insulate the lower half (the upper half is already done with "polytarp 6" or something -- came with the new house in January).

Now here's the problem. The framing is already in place, but there is no protective barrier between the framing and the concrete. I know it's a bad idea to just stick insulation batts in there without protecting for moisture.

The frame sits between .5 to 1 inch from the concrete, so there would be room to pull material around and behind studs...

Can anyone recommend a course of action, preferably one that doesn't require tearing down framing?

 

[JayDaniel]

Aaron, don't know if this would help your situation, but they now make insulation that is completely covered in plastic to make it easier to install/less itchy. While it does have small air holes to allow it to expand, it may provide some vapor barrier.

Also, while a lot of trouble and not the best solution, you might be able to attach plastic to the back of this type of insulation before installing to provide more of a moisture barrier.

Alternately, could you use the same type of insulation as is used above (Polytarp)?

 

[Aaron Gould]

Thanks for the suggestions Jay... You know, I can't believe I didn't even think about using the same stuff for the lower portion. Perhaps I'll visit a Home Depot/Building Box this weekend and see if it would work. Obviously it'll fit behind, as the upper half did. It'll be a bit of a pain to get into the corners though!

If that isn't a good solution, and I have to go with the plastic-covered insulation -- is there a risk in leaving the backs of the wood studs unprotected?

Even though my entire foundation is waterproofed from the outside (using product from systemplaton.com), thus theoretically making excessive water a non-issue, I'm still a little cautious.