More ?? on basement finishing
 

Moderators please more if this is in the wrong forum.

I finished waterproofing my walls with Zinser Watertight. If I put up insulation do I need a vapor barrier? Or can I install some of the pink foam board type insulation and not use a vapor barrier?

I've read arguements going both ways, some say I need it, some say I don't. Any help would be wonderful.

I'd say yes. I've built for 30 years and am still unsure. All basements have different levels of moisture penetration. I don't think it can hurt in any case. I've been just using that 1mil painters plastic. It is cheap and goes up quick. Good luck.

I hung out at Hastings College in 1971. I love Nebraska and the people that live there.

If you stud the wall out it might be best to install batt-type insulation in the cavities, then install an air/vapor barrier.

If you do use the the batt-type insulation:

....and you install the kind that already has a paper vapor barrier (i.e.- Paper faced), do not install an additional vapor barrier.

Also, make sure that the vapor barrier faces towards the warm side (living space).

If I go with the foam board type insulation will I need a vapor barrier?

Yes, Even if you use the foam board, you should have a vapor barrier. Same application as with batt insulation...facing the warm side.

Thanks, I'll get the hang of this basement finishing thing yet!