Hi,

We live in central Massachusetts.

We have a Ranch style home with a walk-out basement of approximately 2100 sq foot .

The outside sheathing used on the home is the green Zip system covered by vinyl siding.

The back 8 foot wall of the walk out portion of the basement is constructed of 2" x 6" wood studs with fiberglass batt insulation covered by CertainTeed MemBrain.

The Building Code in Massachusetts requires the batt insulation be cover.

I have posted a description of the MemBrain product below.

Too help control moisture level in the basement we installed an Aprilaire Whole House de-humidifier with the automatic relative humidity setting set to RH level of 45%. I could lower the setting if needed.

We would like to cover the insulation with a wall board material to clean up the area for storage and a place to have an exercise / play area for our grand-children.

My question is what is the best wall material to use to minimizing the chance of mold and mildew?

We were also told by the insulation company to remove the CertainTeed MemBrain product if we decided to use a wallboard material on the wall. Agree or Disagree?

Thank you

CertainTeed MemBrain: Moisture in homes is unavoidable, making moisture in wall cavities nearly inevitable - and dangerous if not properly addressed. CertainTeed's MemBrain™ Continuous Air Barrier & Smart Vapor Retarder is the industry's most advanced technology to create a better performing home.

In "mixed-climate" parts of the country, where homes heat in the winter and cool in the summer, homes using traditional polyethylene vapor retarders may actually trap moisture in the cavity during the summer - raising the risk of costly moisture and mold issues, structural damage, health consequences and liability.

This patented, revolutionary solution can provide a continuous air barrier along with advanced moisture management in a single product, helping achieve Complete Comfort. It's another reason why choosing CertainTeed means you're installing much more than trusted high-performance insulation products.You're installing confidence.

LOW Humidity

Remains tight in winter when humidity in the cavity is low to prevent moisture from entering.

HIGH Humidity

Increases permeability in summer to let moisture escape, helping to keep the wall dry.

• Continuous indoor air barrier* creates a better performing building envelope.
• Dynamic performance and permeance rating compared to traditional kraft insulation or polyethylene sheeting.
• Senses and adapts permeance to varying humidity throughout the year to keep the cavity dry.
• When installed with standard tape and sealing practices, creates an air barrier that has been tested under stringent performance guidelines.

*For more information view the full MemBrain Air Barrier Instructions.

Where to Use MemBrain

Vapor retarders are required by code in zones 4C and above. However, MemBrain is ideal for any area where the home cools in the summer and heats in the winter.

• Ceilings
• Crawlspaces
• Basements
• Bathrooms
• Laundry Rooms
• Kitchens
• Exterior
• Walls