Moisture- and Mold-free Basement Living

Myron Ferguson

Use mold- and moisture-resistant products where practical. Tile, stone, PVC products, such as vinyl cornerbeads, and other inorganic products will help reduce damage should moisture problems occur...

Use mold- and moisture-resistant products where practical. Tile, stone, PVC products, such as vinyl cornerbeads, and other inorganic products will help reduce damage should moisture problems occur even after all the preventative work is done.

Myron Ferguson

Homeowners should be prepared for the worst. This basement features a treated plate caulked in place with cement board about 10 inches up from the floor instead of drywall along the bottom. Baseboards...

Homeowners should be prepared for the worst. This basement features a treated plate caulked in place with cement board about 10 inches up from the floor instead of drywall along the bottom. Baseboards should be an inorganic material, such as tile.

Myron Ferguson

Recessed lights are common in basements because of lower ceiling heights, but they essentially become spotlights. Wall sconces or concealed LED light strips that light across surfaces can offer a...

Recessed lights are common in basements because of lower ceiling heights, but they essentially become spotlights. Wall sconces or concealed LED light strips that light across surfaces can offer a nice, upgraded look.

Myron Ferguson

Because of the lack of natural light and lower ceilings, basements can be easily brightened with light colors and decorative drywall work. Take advantage of basements' interesting angles; use...

Because of the lack of natural light and lower ceilings, basements can be easily brightened with light colors and decorative drywall work. Take advantage of basements' interesting angles; use soffits and boxed-in areas to create decorative accents.

Myron Ferguson

By relying on building science and well-thought-out design techniques, this room doesn't look or feel like a typical basement.

By relying on building science and well-thought-out design techniques, this room doesn't look or feel like a typical basement.

Myron Ferguson

This basement was finished with moisture-resistant techniques despite never experiencing moisture problems. No insulation was put in the metal-framed wall before drywall was hung. The outside of the...

This basement was finished with moisture-resistant techniques despite never experiencing moisture problems. No insulation was put in the metal-framed wall before drywall was hung. The outside of the foundation has 2 inches of extruded foam. The rim joist area was sealed with 3 inches of spray foam. Along the foundation wall, a channel in the floor leads water to a sump-pump pit.