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What goes under drywall for a basement wall when using furring strips?

4 years ago


I need to redo a 35" strip in a niche where I have a toilet and an above the grade window
For reasons I am not going to digress into I need to use just 1x4 furring strips and put the drywall on it
What else can I put there?
I had to remove what was there that was put long time ago because the wood aged and for some reasons it started crumbling at the top side of the existing furring strips.
I could not see signs of chronic humidity
There was some thin tar paper like black sheet that was between the furring strips and the wall and they put something that looks like plain expanded polystyrene...to fill in the gaps between the furring strips

Should I install a plastic barrier there ? If yes then where, does it go under the drywall of between the furirng strips and the wall (I don't think this is right)

What is the name of the black tar like sheet of material that was there ? On certain sections it looked worn out, not sure if they put there some left overs or it worn out in time (hard to explain why it turned out like that)

Comments (9)

  • 4 years ago

    what about that black stuff do I need to buy and put it back ? What is its name

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    What is its name

    Likely #15in. felt, often called tar paper.

    Absolutely not needed.


    See Building Science Corp. here.

    Of course, this may be the only part of the basement wall properly insulated. But might as well do it right.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I bought this one as it was the thinnest option available at HD near my house

    Durofoam EPS Rigid Insulation 96Inch X 48Inch X 3/4Inch

    they say install it using 2x2 furring strips -that leaves an air gap behind the drywall and I think this is to run wires. Now do I need that gap there ? I need to save room behind my toilet sit otherwise it won't fit.

    So the plan is to cut 3/4 thin strips from a 2x4. I can't find it precut this days but the furring I removed was exactly that size so you can imagine how old it is -like 60y. The strips will be flush will be flush with the insulation and then the drywall will come on top of it. If needed probably I could leave like 1/4" air gap there by either using 1" lumber or cut it of a 2x4 with the table saw

    Now the question is, if I cut my furring strips from a 2x4 pressure treated stud will the exposed side (now untreated I guess) be prone to rotting even it that side is facing the drywall (so it is away from the wall which I assume is the source of humidity?

    The other side of the drywall will be tiled and it is dry since it is behind the toilet this is not a shower wall

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Glue the Durofoam to the foundation wall, as per this Durofoam video: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=installing+durofoam+video#kpvalbx=_QZVSYaDSAeuW_Qbo76XYDg24 The furring is being used to hold the drywall screws/nails, so you'll end up with an unnecessary gap in any case. Furring comes in 1x4x8 pressure treated, so there's no need to cut 2x4s. If you can, support the furring without penetrating the Durofoam. Not much insulation value, but it should reduce the inward moisture drive and reduce condensation on the concrete wall.

    Ivan Turbinca thanked worthy
  • 4 years ago

    If you have a standard toilet, you could consider buying a new toilet designed for walls that are closer. Standard toilets are 12" and they make 10" as well. would save you a couple of inches if needed.

    Ivan Turbinca thanked doc5md
  • 4 years ago

    I both this from Costco almost an year ago https://www.ovedecors.com/pub/media/amasty/amfile/attach/IM_Stan_Tuva_2020-05-06.pdf I did not realize there could be a problem with this


    Not sure how bad it will be to have just 3/4" foam insulation in that corner

    Not sur if I can find a similar one (smart toilet with bidet and no tank) within the same price range (700CAD)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    As long as you have an adequately sized dehumidifier in the basement, I wouldn't be concerned about excess moisture.

    Ivan Turbinca thanked worthy
  • 4 years ago

    That wall will get tiles over the drywall so I dont really know how much humidity will get through. I am more worried about what is going to build up behind that drywall as I have a window above this niche where the toilet is going to be installed. I could use tedgua4d over drywall and the thinset and the tiles will be 24xx24 This is a bathroom with a fan set to start automatically as soon as the humidity reches a certain level n