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Condensation control for basement 2×6 “pony” walls

jadziedzic | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

What I have:  recent construction house in CZ5, 2×6 basement “pony” walls where the foundation steps down to follow exterior grade.  Walls currently have 2×6 fiberglass batts with no vapor barrier/retarder (plus some signs of condensation on the interior of the sheathing).   I’m running a couple of dehumidifiers in the basement (RH around 35-40%).  Concrete walls have 1-1/2 rigid XPS NGX insulation.

I was originally thinking 5-1/2″ of mineral wool with Intello Plus on the interior (warm) side sealed to the framing with Contega HF, but due to some air leakage from the exterior I believe I should air seal within the stud bays of the pony walls first to do the best possible job.  The area involved is probably 200 square feet or so, so using 2″ of spray foam with 3-1/2″ mineral wool batts followed by the Intello Plus wouldn’t be a wallet-buster and would be in line with the ratio of “rigid” to “fluffy” insulation.

That said, what’s the “best” insulating approach for these 2×6 walls that doesn’t entail exterior insulation that will preclude future condensation buildup in the wall assembly AND deals with the air leakage?  If I go with a layer of interior foam does closed-cell (low GWP) or open-cell matter?

Thanks!

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Michael Maines | | #1

    Using spray foam in this situation is like driving a dump truck to the grocery store. It will work but it's not necessary. I would use tape or sealant on the interior of the sheathing and a high-quality variable permeance membrane on the interior: Siga Majrex, Pro Clima Intello or Rothoblaas Clima Control.

    1. jadziedzic | | #2

      Thanks Michael, I appreciate the nudge away from spray foam. I've been considering the sealant route the last couple of days as an alternative to spray foam and have a case of Contega HF on hand which should work great.

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