RE: [GBlist] foundation insulation boards

["Ralph Bicknese" <ralph.bicknese@christnerinc.com>]

Mike:

<Insulation and under things BELOW the footing might be problematic since
many building codes require that the footing be placed on undisturbed
earth.>

You are correct, but they also allow placing footings on engineered fill.
This could easily be crushed rock which would probably break the capillary
action.

<I think there has been some confusion in this thread about the capillary
action of the concrete and the condensation on concrete.  Both are real, but
they are distinct.  The capillary action is a problem when the concrete
wicks soil moisture up or through the concrete footing or wall.  Depending
on the construction details, and the drying potential, this wicked up water
could dry to the outside, dry to the inside, or be driven up the wall into
the sill and rim joist area.>

Agreed about the potential problems of capillary action. Although I have
never seen water up a basement wall as high as a sill, I suppose it is
possible in extreme water conditions or where poor concrete has been used.
In my postings I do not think there has been confusion about the difference.
Sorry if I could have been more clear about that.  I think the moisture
bottom few feet of well waterproofed and otherwise well insulated interior
basement walls could be due to either or both affects.  Prior to this thread
I had figured it was almost always due to condensation.  Now I am not so
sure.

Happy Friday,
Ralph __________


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