I have a house in Ottawa, Ontario, built around 1910 with a poured concrete and stone foundation. I have a problem with mildew and dampness in the basement that I am trying to get rid of. One contractor suggested rigid foam insulation against the wall and build a new frame wall about 1 foot from the foundation - floor to ceiling. Another contractor suggested building a new frame wall about a foot from the foundation but putting the insulation against the new wall. Contractor #2 also suggested leaving a gap about a foot high at the bottom of the new wall to allow circulation. Your answer on air was ventilate the basement well and speak to a contractor - which contractor would you agree with?
Answer:
I'd be reluctant to give up floor space for something as easy to get rid of as mildew so I guess if you're talking to contractors, that's where I'd start. Perhaps a third contractor.
