How to Attach a Vapor Barrier to a Concrete Wall

Concrete walls are bare against the elements unless sealed with a barrier that closes off the porous material. Foundation walls such as basements or concrete structures that are finished on the inside need a vapor lock layer that keeps moisture from penetrating the interior. Installing a vapor barrier to the concrete wall is the primary way to accomplish this. The installation is not difficult and requires basic tools and materials to get the job done.

Treated furring strips
Vapor lock poly sheeting
Masonry nails
Hammer or PAT nail gun
Hand saw
Vapor barrier seam tape
Silicone caulk
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Vapor barrier is a durable, thick polyethylene product that comes in rolls of varying width and length. Measure the wall to determine the size of the sections you will need to place. The amount of wall space you are covering will determine how many square feet you need, and the number of rolls of seam tape. The widths are typically 8 feet or 12 feet to match common wall heights. You then calculate the length of your walls to determine the length of roll or rolls you need. For a concrete wall barrier, 6 mil to 10 ml thick poly is recommended.
- 2
  Stretch a length of the plastic vapor barrier from floor to ceiling, beginning in one top corner. Roll it out the length of the wall, having a helper hold the top corner while you work. Overlap the top edge of the wall by 2 to 3 inches.
- 3
  Place a furring strip at the first corner over top of the poly sheeting. Drive on masonry nail through the strip and the poly into the concrete below. Use a masonry hammer or a PAT nail gun, which stands for powder actuated tool. Wear safety goggles when driving the nails.
- 4
  Continue moving down the furring strip driving a nail every 10 to 12 inches. Be careful when using the nail gun; it is a very powerful tool and can cause injury. Add another furring strip when you reach the end of the first one, until you reach the end of the wall. You may need to cut a furring strip to fit the last section with a hand saw.
- 5
  Move to the bottom of the wall when the top is secured with furring strips all the way across. Stretch the vapor barrier taut but don't warp or pull too hard. You want it snug but not stretched. Apply a furring strip at the bottom of the wall, and again, using the masonry nail gun secure it in place.
- 6
  Continue down the next wall with the same roll without cutting the poly if possible. When you reach the end of a sheet, overlap the two sheets by 6-inches, and continue on until all the walls are covered and the poly is secured at the top and bottom.
- 7
  Tape over any seams where the poly overlapped on the wall using the vapor barrier seam tape. Apply a line of silicone caulk to the top and bottom edges of the furring strips to seal them.
- 8
  Trim away any excess poly sheeting hanging above the top furring strip, and below the bottom strip.

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