Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Feb 15, 2011 03:30pm | #1

   David Berry,
   We need more information.

   1. Is the concrete wall entirely above grade or partially below grade?

   2. What are you using for furring? 1x4s, flat 2x4s, or a stud wall?

   3. Is the "thermal break" the only insulation you plan to install? How do you intend to achieve R-20 in this wall?

   4. Why do you want to install wood furring between your stone veneer and the concrete wall?

2. 
   user-914330 | Feb 16, 2011 07:13am | #2

   Q1. Yes, the concrete wall is above grade.
   Q2. This will be 2 x 4 stud wall for plumbing and electrical behind stone veneer.
   Q3. I would like to insulate between studs, fiberglass, or rigid.
   Q4. Same as Q2.
   I have attached a wall section.
   Thanks.

3. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Feb 16, 2011 07:40am | #3

   David Berry,
   1. So you want to use stone veneer as an interior decorative finish for your wall -- installed on top of a framed 2x4 wall?

   2. And the existing concrete wall has absolutely no insulation, inside or out?

   3. What type of siding do you have on the exterior side of the concrete wall?

   In order to keep the concrete wall from getting damp, you need to have exterior siding -- ideally installed with a rainscreen. Since you need siding anyway, why not install insulation on the exterior of your concrete wall?

4. 
   user-914330 | Feb 16, 2011 06:07pm | #4

   Q1. Yes.
   Q2. This is really why I'm asking. I'm concerned about moisture build up between. Insulation as planned is in the stud bays either fiberglass, rigid, or Iso. Where in this design should the vapor barrier be located?
   Q3. It seems the architect wants the concrete look on the exterior.

5. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Feb 16, 2011 06:52pm | #5

   David,
   If the architect is building a solid concrete wall without any siding on the waterfront in the northeast of the U.S., I think he or she is nuts. What is the moisture management plan?

   There are all kinds of details that need to be worked out to make this proposal work. How are the floor joists integrated with the walls? How does the architect propose to prevent water from wicking from the wet concrete to the joists?

   Why didn't the architect come up with an insulation plan?

   Where is the proposed thermal barrier?

   What is your role -- owner or builder?

6. 
   user-914330 | Feb 16, 2011 07:39pm | #6

   This is a slab on grade condition. I'm the builder looking to protect my self. This is a expensive year around pool cabana. It sounds like I should just push the architect to supply my answers for liability reasons? They often look for my advice, on this one I'm concerned.