Is it OK to add a stone veneer on the interior side of a basement wall?
Hello,
I was wondering if there would be any moisture concerns with adding decorative stone veneer to the interior of a basement wall. The basment wall is poured concrete and 2×4 construction with open cell spray foam and drywall. The width of the stone wall would be about 5′ wide. I know the open cell foam will allow for vapor diffusion, I know it important not to use vapor retarding paint to allow moisture to escape. Would adding a stone veneer acts as a vapor retarder and cause moisture concerns, or would the veneer allow vapor diffusion, or would the amount of moisture be small enough a concern?
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Ed
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Replies
Ed,
As long as your basement doesn't have any water-entry problems, and as long as your foam insulation meets the minimum R-value requirements of the building code, you should be OK.
I would remove the drywall, however, and substitute cementitious backerboard, which is more resistant to moisture, before installing the stone veneer.