Extruded polystyrene foam can be yellow pink or blue depending on the manufacturer for insulating basement.
Moisture in basement walls.
Start the job by gluing 3 4 in.
Insulating basement walls and framing.
Basement moisture might be as apparent as watching the waterline slowly working its way up the basement walls.
If the moisture test showed condensation but the walls feel dry to the touch the solution might be as simple as rolling on a coat of masonry sealant such as drylok masonry waterproofer.
You ll just create a potential mold problem.
Visit your local home improvement store for waterproofing paint.
If dry the moisture is originating elsewhere in the basement most likely from a basement shower easily remedied by installing a vent fan in the bathroom to direct steam outdoors.
But it often shows itself in forms that are less apparent.
When you have basement moisture you know it right away.
Steps to finishing a basement.
Not only will the waterproof paint reduce moisture in the basement but it will also seal away existing odors from basement walls.
Extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls.
Covering those places such as walls pipes and ducts with insulation will help keep warm air from coming in contact with the cool surfaces thus preventing condensation.
Because moisture is allowed to penetrate the block cores it is essential to cap the tops and place a vapor retarder coating on the interior basement walls.
Insulating the places where condensation builds up can also help to eliminate moisture.
This particular moisture meter is ideal for checking the moisture content of walls because it has reading scales for both drywall and wood that allow for precise quantitative moisture measurements in these materials.
Musty smells slimy walls damp ceilings.
If the moisture problem is minor digging a trench around the foundation and waterproofing exterior walls might not be necessary.
Insulate exterior walls to prevent condensation.
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A separate reference scale setting can be used for getting qualitative readings of moisture in other wall materials like plaster.
But don t cover the walls with insulation if water is leaking in from outside.