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BASEMENT WALL
Finnfoam's basement wall insulation product CW-300/100 mm provides insulation and a damp barrier with a single installation!
This structure makes it possible to optimize the moisture performance of the footing in accordance with the laws of physics. Water, or soil carried by water, cannot enter the structure from the outside and thus the performance of the ventilation channels will remain unchanged over decades. The ventilation grooves placed against the foundation within the structure are closed from above, thus preventing moisture from the outside air entering the channels.
The above-ground section of insulation must always be bonded solidly with adhesive mortar to the footing (slab or renovation mortar, for example). The above-ground section may additionally be secured with mechanical anchors.
Finnfoam also functions as a casting mold for a basement wall
The sturdy Finnfoam can also be used as an external casting mold for a basement wall. Water cannot permeate Finnfoam but may escape through the joints, so in this case it may be necessary to install a damp barrier on the outside.
A ventilating slot is left between the Finnfoam and the vapor-proof damp barrier (make sure to install the damp barrier facing the right way, i.e. with the studs toward Finnfoam), which will allow the tiny amount of water vapor coming through the Finnfoam material to escape. A small ventilating slot cannot be used to vent large amounts of moisture, which is why the thermal insulation must be highly vapor-proof like Finnfoam.
Low risk internal insulation – no cavities between the wall and insulation!
Moisture in the ground will attempt to permeate inside through the walls as well, which is why the exterior surface of the basement wall typically requires waterproofing by using bituminous felt, for example. Waterproofing on the outside with a separate vapor barrier on the inside will create a slow-drying special structure, which can easily lead to mold damage if the structure uses organic or other materials that are susceptible to mold.
The impermeable and mold-proof (tested by VTT) Finnfoam thermal insulation can be used to provide interior insulation with very low risks, as a separate vapor barrier is not needed on the inside. In this case it is important to bond the Finnfoam thermal insulation solidly against the wall throughout using slab or renovation mortar, for example. Do not leave cavities between the insulation and the wall or use studwork, which could provide suitable conditions for mold colonies. A solid structure consisting of concrete and Finnfoam withstands moisture and is impermeable. The interior surface of Finnfoam is warm and the internal cladding will correspond to the relative humidity of indoor air.
