Basement Walls & Moisture

Water from the Inside

Vapor drive occurs when warmer, moist air comes in contact with the cold concrete walls.  Vapor drive can saturate the entire foundation wall.  A good example of vapor drive is the condensation that forms on a glass of ice water on a humid summer day. To fix the condensation problem, just slide an insulated foam covering over the glass and the condensation is eliminated.


Water from the Outside

Below grade wall systems have a continual exposure to sub-soil water (bulk water) and moisture.  Poor drainage on the outside, combined with the lack of proper waterproofing or cracks in concrete walls, are all too common these days.  This is a major cause of leaking wet or damp concrete walls. The last, best chance to fix any drainage and water proofing issues is before you cover the walls!


The Effects of Water & Moisture

While even vast amounts of moisture are not harmful to concrete by itself, that moisture will attract dust over time.  The dust, a food source, a moist wall, mold spores, and temperature from 50 - 80 are all that is necessary to support colonies of mold and mildew.  This is the typical musty odor associated with a damp basement.  A damp basement can also lead to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory and health problems.

Prior to starting your basement project clean, off any mold or mildew. Also remove any dust or dirt as this is a food source for mold.

Wood framing works well in above-grade applications because the typical moisture content inside the wall fluctuates in the range of 10 – 15%.   When elevated just 5% more, mold will prosper.  In a basement application there is little room for error.  The wood-framed wall with fiberglass insulation can trap and hold large amounts of water and moisture, causing mold and mildew problems.


The Solution – InSoFast® Panels

  • Water from the Inside:  Vapor drive will be eliminated by insulating walls with InSoFast panels which are manufactured with 2" of closed-cell foam insulation. 

  • Water from the Outside:  Should any water come through the basement wall, InSoFast panels have a built-in drainage plane to move water down the wall and away from the drywall.

  • Water and Moisture:  InSoFast panels will not trap or hold water.  They work like Gortex® fabric by repelling water but still allowing moisture vapor to pass through.  Nothing in the InSoFast Panels will ever rot or decay.