Carl,

You hear many conflicting stories about how to finish a basement wall, what
is the correct way. I have no water in my basement but the condensation is high.

I want to finish the walls. Can I use a 2×4 wall with  paper backed batt insulation then sheet rock?

I hear all this about foam board and then I hear about
plastic sheeting over fiberglass batt insulation.

Witch is the correct way?

Thank you,
Joe in NH”

Hi Joe,

You might want to consider Rigid Foam Insulation. I would not put insulation batts (fiberglass) anywhere near a basement wall. Insulation batts are like a sponge.

Here is a video from Dow that does a good job explaining moisture prevention.

Click on Picure to watch

Installing insulated foam sheathing on the interior walls of a pre-existing basement helps prevent heat loss and moisture problems.

Now you are ready for drywall (“Sheetrock”).

Good luck and thanks for writing,

Carl