Basement Secrets

There has been a great deal of research done in the last 10 years in regard to basement finishing. It has become increasingly evident that standard drywall and stud systems have failed, creating what has become know as "sick building syndrome" causing indoor air problems for many. Leaders in this field include Dr. Joseph Lstiburek, Ph.D., P.E. of The Building Science Consortium, and Dr. Ted Kesik of the University of Toronto. Their findings combined with our 20 years of experience serve as the basis for many of the products offered by Alpha Basement Finishing. You may read many of their writings at Building Science Corporation.

Moisture can enter the basement via five

different means. An effective basement

finishing system must address all five in

order to be effective:

1. Groundwater leakage through foundation.

2. Moisture of construction.

3. Air leakage from exterior and interior.

4. Capillary entry through walls, slab, and

  flooring.

5. Plumbing failure.

Water is the single largest factor that

contributes to the damage and failure of all

building systems. This is especially true of

the basement environment. Your basement

can be impacted by water from more

conditions other than just the other areas of

the home. Controlling water and water vapor

in your basement is the single most important

issue that has to be addressed in your

basement finish process. Dr. Lstiburek states

that the problem associated with interior stud

wall framing insulated with fiberglass batts and blanket insulation, is due to the accumulation of moisture within the insulated frame wall located on the interior of the basement foundation or, within the blanket insulation located on the interior of the basement foundation wall. This moisture leads to mold, decay, and odor. Eventually, this can lead to health hazards and wall system failure.

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