Do I need a vapor barrier?

[77thor]

Just a little background info...
One of my block walls in the basement was starting to bulge in so I had a foundation repair company come in and excavate outside & straighten it out. Then they installed vertical steel posts inside along the wall to strengthen it and prevent any re-occurrence.

Fast forward to now...
I'm putting up a 2x4 stud wall just to hide the vertical steel posts along the wall. Obviously this will leave a fairly large(about 9 inch) air gap between drywall and the block wall. I'm not installing insulation.

The question is; Do I need to add a vapor barrier under the drywall?


My thought was; NO.
Opinions?

 

[pattenp]

Is the inside space conditioned (heated/cooled)? Was the wall water sealed from the outside or inside? The issue is going to be protecting the drywall from moisture. At least use mildew resistant drywall.

 

[dfiler2]

I would cover the block wall with a 6 mil poly, cheap easy protection.

 

[MScott]

I would have to ask why you are not insulating the wall? You live in Wisconsin and you get winter there. Seems like insulation would be a plus.

 

[chopperguy01]

If it were me I would insulate and do a vapor barrier. I live in Minnesota and that's how our basement was done.


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[77thor]

Is the inside space conditioned (heated/cooled)? Was the wall water sealed from the outside or inside? The issue is going to be protecting the drywall from moisture. At least use mildew resistant drywall.

The space is conditioned and the wall was the wall water sealed on the outside.

 

[77thor]

I would have to ask why you are not insulating the wall? You live in Wisconsin and you get winter there. Seems like insulation would be a plus.

Sorry, I should have added this info...
I was advised against inside insulation by the foundation guys. They insulated the outside of the walls with foam boards down to the frost line.

 

[Cyberbear]

Play it safe and vapor seal the inside against moisture intrusion, in this situation water is not your friend.

 

[dirttracker18]

Yes and I am not sure why they would advice against interior insulation. Contrary to their recommendation, I would certainly insulate and have seen it done many times that way. I see no downside to the extra insulation.

Also, why 9" from the block?

Why not incorporate the steel into the wall instead of building out in front of it?