I have a new (1 year old) house in upstate South Carolina (warm humid summers, mild winters with a few days below freezing). Has a walkout basement, and I want to finish it. But as I am researching correct methods, it seems that I get contradictory information from presumed experts. The basement has the following conditions:
- The concrete block walls to the front and concrete block half walls to the side. There is an external basement waterproofing system, but I don't know what type.
- The back wall is framed, with batt insulation and house wrap under the siding. So my questions are:
- Do I put vapor barrier against the concrete, before the new wall? or does it go to the inside face? When I read the incredibly long and detailed manual from some Canadian group, it recommended both. And does the recommendation change for a wall of a bathroom?
- Am I better off with a conventionally framed wall with batt insullation a few inches in front of the concrete (due to pipe that would be difficult to move, it would have to be about 5-6 inches in from the concrete), or using furring and styrofoam panels attached to the walls (which would allow me soffitt in the pipe on the ceiling). I'm speaking strictly in terms of making sure I don't get a water problem, without regard to the other plusses and minuses of 2x4 walls vs furring.
- Should I put vapor barrier over the batt on the framed exterior walls in the back of the basement ?
- I intend to leave a few rooms in the basement unfinished. Is there anything special I need to do on the walls between the finished and unfinished areas. Lots of questions, but any help would be greatly appreciated.