basement
We are starting work on finishing our basement. The engineer had drawn up plans recommending a vapor barrier on the floor of the basement before putting concrete. The contractor says he doesn’t recommend it because it becomes breeding ground for termites. He says he’ll do it but we’ll have to sign a release. Any advice…
We are starting work on finishing our basement. The engineer had drawn up plans recommending a vapor barrier on the floor of the basement before putting concrete. The contractor says he doesn’t recommend it because it becomes breeding ground for termites. He says he’ll do it but we’ll have to sign a release. Any advice on whether the engineer or the contractor is right? Thanks.
4 mil vapor barrior over permeable fill (gravel typ.)
Termites eat cellulose, so if you are using some sort of paper backed vapor barrier they could eat it, but you should be using a cross-laminated polyethylene vapor barrier over 4″ of permeable fill to prevent wicking of moisture from the ground. Your engineer is correct.