No Vapor Retarders on Interior Side of Air-Permeable Foundation Insulation

Scope

In basements or crawlspaces that are insulated along the interior side of the exterior walls with an air-permeable insulation, ENERGY STAR Certified Homes requires that builders do not install a Class 1 vapor retarder on the interior side of the air-permeable insulation. Class I vapor barriers should also not be installed on the interior side of air-permeable insulation in above-grade exterior walls in warm-humid climates (ENERGY STAR 2020).

  • Examples of air-permeable insulation include fibrous insulation like fiberglass batt, blown cellulose, or mineral wool.
  • The 2009 IRC defines Class I vapor retarders as a material or assembly with a rating of ≤0.1 perm.
  • Examples of Class I vapor retarders include rubber membranes, polyethylene sheeting, glass, aluminum foil, sheet metal, foil-faced insulating sheathings, foil-faced non-insulating sheathings, and vinyl wall paper.
  • Class I vapor barriers can be used on the interior side of below-grade walls if air-permeable insulation is not present (for example, foil-faced rigid foam board can be installed on the interior of below-grade concrete foundation walls.
  • Open-cell and closed-cell spray foams typically have perm ratings above 0.1 so they can be used unless the manufacturer specifies that a product has a perm rating ≤ 0.1 or so long as the spray foam is not sprayed to a depth that makes it ≤ 0.1 perm.
  • Exceptions: Impermeable materials such as ceramic tile may be installed over fibrous insulation at shower and tub walls.
  • Mirrors may be used if mounted with clips or other spacers that allow air to circulate behind them.

See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

Description

Vapor retarders can be an intrinsic and crucial part of the building envelope. In the right location, they can help manage moisture issues to keep the home dry. However, when vapor retarders are installed on the interior side of air-permeable insulation on below-grade walls, condensation issues can ensue.

Many building scientists recommend insulating the basement or crawlspace walls. The 2012 International Residential Code requires basement insulation in Climate Zones 3 and higher. A sealed, insulated basement or crawlspace is a requirement in the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indoor airPLUS program. DOE research shows that insulating the basement is cost effective in any home in climate zones 3 through 8. In cities ranging from St. Louis, MO, to Buffalo, NY, insulating to R-10 yielded annual savings of $250 to $400; insulating to R-20 yielded annual savings of $280 to $450 (Southface and ORNL 2002). However, the insulation must be installed in a way that doesn't trap moisture in the walls.

Concrete is porous and allows moisture transfer. If the below-grade portion of a concrete foundation wall is in contact with damp soil, moisture can wick through the concrete via capillary action. Newly poured concrete also has hundreds of gallons of water to release as the concrete cures. When insulating basements to make them into living space or to meet program requirements, it is a common practice (though not recommended by Building America) to install a wood-framed wall against the concrete then to fill the framed wall cavity with fibrous insulation such as mineral wool, fiberglass, or cellulose insulation.  Water vapor can pass through this air-permeable insulation. If the insulation is covered with a permeable layer such as gypsum board and latex paint, the water vapor will pass through that layer as well, allowing the concrete wall to dry to the inside of the home.

Unfortunately, in many areas of the country, builders install polyethylene sheeting, a Class I vapor retarder, over the insulation before installing the drywall. Water vapor can condense on the sheeting (see Figures 1 and 2). When this condensation occurs, the liquid water has no way to dry to the interior of the home. Instead, it will accumulate in the wall cavity. Over time this dampness can lead to ruined insulation, mold, odors, and structural rotting of framing members.

Other Class I vapor barriers, like vinyl wallpaper or the plastic layer installed over blanket insulation in unfinished basements, as shown in Figure 3 (sometimes referred to as diaper insulation) can have the same mold-inducing effect (BSC 2006).

Water passing through the foundation wall is unable to dry to the interior resulting in compromised indoor air quality.
Figure 1. The plastic vapor barrier on the inside of this foundation wall prevents the wall from drying to the inside, so condensation and mold have begun to form on the inside of the wall cavity.
The polyethylene sheeting installed over batt insulation in this basement wall acted as a Class I vapor retarder, trapping water vapor from the concrete foundation wall, which condensed in the wall cavity providing a breeding ground for mold.
Figure 2. The polyethylene sheeting installed over batt insulation in this basement wall acted as a Class I vapor retarder, trapping water vapor from the concrete foundation wall, which condensed in the wall cavity providing a breeding ground for mold. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)
Plastic-covered blanket insulation, the diaper approach to basement wall insulation, will trap moisture coming through the concrete, leading to mold, moisture, and odor problems.
Figure 3. Plastic-covered blanket insulation, the diaper approach to basement wall insulation, will trap moisture coming through the concrete, leading to mold, moisture, and odor problems.

ENERGY STAR also requires that Class I vapor barriers not be installed on the interior side of air-permeable insulation in above-grade exterior walls in hot-humid climates, because warm-moist air entering building cavities through cracks in the exterior wall can condense when it hits the cold back surface of a Class I vapor retarder that is chilled by summertime air conditioning. The condensation can accumulate in the wall cavity creating conditions for mold growth and rot. Examples of Class I vapor retarders that have been incorrectly installed in wall assemblies in hot-humid climates include plastic vapor barrier installed under the drywall or vinyl wallpaper installed over the drywall.

To reduce the risk of condensation, it's helpful to understand perm ratings so you can select the right wall assembly to reduce condensation risks.

Understanding Vapor Retarders

If water vapor is allowed to pass through the below-grade wall and insulation, it must be allowed to dry to the inside of the home to avoid condensation in the wall cavity. To enable this drying, the wall covering on the interior of the framing must have a relatively high vapor permeability rating.

The vapor permeability (commonly referred to as breathability) is a material's ability to allow water vapor to pass through it. The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) is the measurement referenced in building codes. The MVTR is measured in a lab using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) procedure E-96. The test method measures how much moisture vapor is allowed to pass through a material in a 24-hour period (adjusted for vapor pressure across the sample). The resulting number is the moisture vapor permeance (MVP). The unit of measurement for MVP is perms. The higher the perm number, the more moisture vapor the material will allow to pass and the greater its drying potential will be. The water vapor permeability of a material is roughly inversely proportional to its thickness (for example doubling the thickness of spray foam insulation halves the permeability).

Vapor Retarder Code Classifications

The International Residential Code, Section R201, defines vapor retarder classes as follows:

  • Class I: 0.1 perm or less
  • Class II: 1.0 perm or less and greater than 0.1 perm
  • Class III: 10 perm or less and greater than 1.0 perm.

Class I vapor retarders include polyethylene plastic sheeting, rubber membranes, glass, aluminum foil, sheet metal, foil-faced insulating sheathings, and foil-faced non-insulating sheathings. This list is not comprehensive. Any material with a perm rating of 0.1 or less should not be used to the interior of air-permeable insulation on the inside of a below-grade wall. However, if the manufacturer's specifications for a product indicate a perm rating above 0.1, then the material may be used even if it is on this list.

Examples of Class II vapor retarders include kraft-faced fiberglass batt, low-perm paint, and 1 inch of expanded polystyrene rigid foam.

Examples of Class III vapor retarders include latex paint, plywood, OSB, and drywall.

For open- and closed-cell spray foams, check manufacturer's specifications. Open-cell spray foam is generally more permeable. Increasing the thickness of any spray foam layer will decrease its permeability.

The main point to remember when using air-permeable insulation in below-grade walls is that moisture must be allowed to dry to the inside of the building. ENERGY STAR Certified Homes prohibits the use of Class I vapor retarders on the interior side of air-permeable insulation in below-grade exterior walls.

ENERGY STAR recommends using a Class II or Class III vapor retarder. Examples include kraft-faced fiberglass batts in the wall cavity or latex paint on the drywall for below-grade walls.

Foam insulation can be used if the manufacturer's specifications indicate a perm rating greater than 0.1 and if any wall finishes, such as latex paint, are vapor permeable. ENERGY STAR allows some exemptions to the prohibition on Class 1 vapor retarders in below-grade walls. These exemptions include

  • Showers and tubs on exterior walls. Class I vapor retarders, such as ceramic tile, may be used at shower and tub walls. The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal. The recommended backer for exterior walls behind showers and tubs (in both above- and below-grade situations) is cement board. Note that cement board is not waterproof and must be coated with a fluid-applied waterproofing, or a water-resistive barrier must be applied behind it that allows drainage (BSC 2009). The low-perm vapor retarder is allowed due to the high moisture content created by the shower or tub and is used to protect framing and insulation from the excessive moisture.
  • Mirrors. Mirrors are a Class I vapor retarder but may be used if they are mounted over the drywall with clips or other spacers that allow air to circulate behind them. The mirror should not be directly fastened to the wall; if so, it will act as a vapor barrier and condensation will form on the foundation side of the mirror.

Alternative Basement Insulation Methods

Basement insulation methods have been studied extensively by Building America and there are many alternative methods for insulating basements that avoid the Class 1 vapor retarder issue (Aldrich et al. 2012, BSC 2009, Lstiburek 2006, NorthernSTAR 2012, Southface and ORNL 2002, Ueno and Lstiburek 2012). Here are examples of some of these methods. Note, with all of these methods, closed-cell spray foam can be used to insulate the rim joist:

  • Attach foil-faced polyisocyanurate to the interior of the concrete wall with mechanical fasteners or construction adhesive, with the bottom 6 inches of wall bare to allow drying or completely seal the polyiso to the full wall with caulk or foam and at seams with foil or polypropylene tape.
  • Attach EPS or XPS to the interior of the concrete wall with furring strips. Use the furring strips to attach drywall.
  • Attach EPS or XPS to the interior of the concrete wall with construction adhesive. Thoroughly seal the edges and seams of the foam. Install a wood-framed wall interior of the rigid foam. Insulate the cavity with batt or blown fibrous insulation or leave uninsulated. In very cold climates, the cavity insulation R value should not exceed the rigid foam R value.
  • Install a 2x4 wood-framed wall set one to two inches in from the foundation wall, then spray closed-cell spray foam directly onto the concrete wall. Finish the interior wall with drywall and latex paint.
  • Install rigid foam exterior of the foundation wall.
  • Install an ICF foundation wall.
  • Install a precast concrete wall system that includes an integrated XPS foam insulation layer sandwiched between two layers of concrete or to the inside of one layer of preformed concrete.
This spray foam insulation (with a perm rating greater than 0.1) is covered with gypsum board, which is a Class III vapor retarder. The gypsum should be covered with permeable latex paint to allow for drying to the interior.
Figure 4. Spray foam insulation with a perm rating greater than 0.1 separates the concrete foundation wall from the interior stud wall, which is uninsulated and contains no Class I vapor barrier. Gypsum board and permeable latex paint, both Class III vapor retarders, allow for drying to the interior.
Rigid foam is installed between the concrete foundation wall and the insulated stud cavity. The permeable rigid foam and lack of a vapor barrier over the cavity wall allow drying to the inside.
Figure 5. Rigid foam is installed between the concrete foundation wall and the insulated stud cavity. The permeable rigid foam and lack of a vapor barrier over the cavity wall allow drying to the inside.

Ensuring Success

Confirm that no Class I vapor retarder is installed over permeable insulation in below-grade (i.e., basement) walls.

Climate

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 09)

Water Management System Builder Requirements

1. Water-Managed Site and Foundation.
1.6 Class 1 vapor retarder not installed on interior side of air permeable insulation in exterior below-grade walls.7

Footnote 7) The 2009 IRC defines Class I vapor retarders as a material or assembly with a rating of ≤ 0.1 perm, using the desiccant method with Proc. A of ASTM E 96. The following materials are typically ≤ 0.1 perm and shall not be used on the interior side of air permeable insulation in above-grade exterior walls in warm-humid climates or below-grade exterior walls in any climate: rubber membranes, polyethylene film, glass, aluminum foil, sheet metal, and foil-faced insulating / non-insulating sheathings. These materials can be used on the interior side of walls if air permeable insulation is not present (e.g., foil-faced rigid foam board adjacent to a below-grade concrete foundation wall is permitted). Note that this list is not comprehensive and other materials with a perm rating ≤ 0.1 also shall not be used. Also, if mfr. spec.'s for a product indicate a perm rating ≥ 0.1, then it may be used, even if it is in this list. Also note that open-cell and closed-cell foam generally have ratings above this limit and may be used unless mfr. spec.'s indicate a perm rating ≤ 0.1. Several exemptions to these requirements apply:

  • Class I vapor retarders, such as ceramic tile, may be used at shower and tub walls;
  • Class I vapor retarders, such as mirrors, may be used if mounted with clips or other spacers that allow air to circulate behind them.

The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide.

Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.
Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18 (Source: 2012 IECC).
Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.
Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021 (Source: 2021 IECC).

Right and Wrong Images

Right - A foundation post is wrapped with vapor retarder which also covers the floor of this crawl space.

Right - A foundation post is wrapped with vapor retarder which also covers the floor of this crawl space.

Right - Technicians use adhesive when installing the vapor barrier along the walls of this crawlspace.

Right - Technicians use adhesive when installing the vapor barrier along the walls of this crawlspace.

Right - The posts and floor of this crawlspace are covered with a heavy sheet of vapor retarder that is sealed to the post, the walls, and at all seams.

Right - The posts and floor of this crawlspace are covered with a heavy sheet of vapor retarder that is sealed to the post, the walls, and at all seams.

The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 09)

Water Management System Builder Requirements

1. Water-Managed Site and Foundation.
1.6 Class 1 vapor retarder not installed on interior side of air permeable insulation in exterior below-grade walls.7

Footnote 7) The 2009 IRC defines Class I vapor retarders as a material or assembly with a rating of ≤ 0.1 perm, using the desiccant method with Proc. A of ASTM E 96. The following materials are typically ≤ 0.1 perm and shall not be used on the interior side of air permeable insulation in above-grade exterior walls in warm-humid climates or below-grade exterior walls in any climate: rubber membranes, polyethylene film, glass, aluminum foil, sheet metal, and foil-faced insulating / non-insulating sheathings. These materials can be used on the interior side of walls if air permeable insulation is not present (e.g., foil-faced rigid foam board adjacent to a below-grade concrete foundation wall is permitted). Note that this list is not comprehensive and other materials with a perm rating ≤ 0.1 also shall not be used. Also, if mfr. spec.'s for a product indicate a perm rating ≥ 0.1, then it may be used, even if it is in this list. Also note that open-cell and closed-cell foam generally have ratings above this limit and may be used unless mfr. spec.'s indicate a perm rating ≤ 0.1. Several exemptions to these requirements apply:

  • Class I vapor retarders, such as ceramic tile, may be used at shower and tub walls;
  • Class I vapor retarders, such as mirrors, may be used if mounted with clips or other spacers that allow air to circulate behind them.

Please see the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in in your state.

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.

American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) F1249 - 20
Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor (ASTM F1249 - 20). Available from ASTM. The standard covers the test methods to determine water vapor transmission of materials through which the passage of water vapor may be of importance, such as paper, plastic films, other sheet materials, fiberboards, gypsum, etc.

2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

Tables R402.1.2 and R402.1.4 provide basement and crawlspace wall insulation R- and U-values by climate zone.
R402.2.9 "Basement walls" states that basement walls should be insulated from the top of the wall down 10 feet or to the basement floor, whichever is less, and that walls in unconditioned basements don't need to be insulated if the floor overhead meets required insulation levels.
R402.2.11 "Crawl space walls" allows crawlspaces to be insulated if unvented by installing insulation along the crawl space wall to grade level and then down or out an additional 24 inches.

Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IECC

Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2020). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)

Section R702.7 Vapor Retarders. Class I or II vapor retarders are required on the interior side of frame wall in Climates Zones 5-8 and Marine 4, except on basement walls and below-grade portions of any wall.

Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IRC

Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.

This Retrofit tab provides information that helps installers apply this "new home" guide to improvement projects for existing homes. This tab is organized with headings that mirror the new home tabs, such as "Scope," "Description," "Success," etc. If there is no retrofit-specific information for a section, that heading is not included.

Existing Homes

DESCRIPTION

In retrofit situations, insulating the exterior of a below-grade wall may be cost prohibitive or impossible. An appropriate insulation assembly can be constructed for the interior side of the basement wall as follows. (See the Description tab for additional information. Also see the U.S. DOE Standard Work Specifications for more on basement and crawlspace wall insulation.)

  1. Clean the interior of the basement wall and install 1-inch or greater of plastic foam board or closed-cell polyurethane spray foam The foam board serves two purposes: providing a capillary break between the concrete foundation wall and the wood wall framing and keeping warm, humid basement air away from the earth-chilled foundation.
  2. Install furring strips over the rigid foam for attaching the drywall or construct a 2x4 stud wall that can be filled with insulation. A strip of 1-inch-thick foam board can be installed beneath the sill plate of the stud wall as an added capillary break, especially if rigid foam is not installed under the slab.
  3. Install fiberglass insulation in the framing cavities, making sure to fill all spaces but being careful not to compress the insulation.
  4. Cover the wall assembly with moisture- and mold-resistant gypsum board. The gypsum board can be attached so that the bottom edge is a half inch above the concrete floor to provide additional protection from minor flooding (EPA 2012). DO NOT install plastic sheeting under the drywall. DO NOT install vinyl wallpaper over the drywall.
  5. Paint the gypsum board with two coats of latex paint.
Rigid foam insulation is installed directly in contact with the below-grade basement wall. This stops water vapor from passing into the home and also keeps warm and moist interior air from condensing on the cold walls
Figure 6. Vapor-permeable rigid foam is installed in direct contact with the interior side of the foundation wall to insulate the wall while allowing drying to the inside.

COMPLIANCE

See Compliance tab.

Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

References and Resources*

*For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.

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