Do you use a vapor barrier?
No we don’t and for a very specific reason. The intent of a Vapor Barrier is to keep the moisture out of your basement. Recent studies by Building Science Corp. and the University of Minnesota have shown that vapor barriers can increase the probability of problems with mold. A vapor barrier will not allow the interior walls of your foundation to dry. In fact it can be detrimental because it actual traps the moisture behind it and when it accumulates it has the possibility of dripping out on to the floor and wicking up your drywall, which can lead to mold and mildew. The BBC Wall System allows the moisture vapor to pass through so it may be eliminated with a de-humidifier or a humidex.
If the BBC Wall System is installed against or close to my concrete foundation won’t moisture be held in and cause mold & mildew?
No because the walls are designed to not just insulate but to let moisture vapor pass through into the living space so that you may use a dehumidifier or a Humidex (air exchange system) to eliminate the moist air.
How durable is the surface of the BBC Wall System?
We manufacture the BBC Wall System with a man made polyolefin fabric that is extremely durable and cleanable. The colors in the fabric are introduced during the manufacturing process when the polyolefin is in liquid state so the fabric is not died like most of the clothing that we ware. It is the true color of the fiber when it is produced.
How do I hang pictures and repair the walls when I remove them?
Your distributor or installer will provide you with picture hanging plates. These plates can be used in one direction to hang pictures that are held up with wire or in another direction if the picture of mirror has a metal alligator clip on the back of them. We suggest no more than 20 lbs per plate. Pictures can be moved countless times because the plates are attached to the BBC Wall System with T pins. So when you remove the T pins the fabric and wall is self mending, leaving no holes or sign of where the picture was hung.
Is the BBC Wall System good for theater rooms or entertainment systems?
Yes it is great for home entertainment areas because it has a Noise Coefficient Rate (NCR) of over 95% meaning it absorbs over 95% of the ambient sound waves that hit it, creating a very soft and quiet environment. Unlike dry wall which has an apx NCR of 5%. Dry wall, wood or vinyl materials create a space where music, people’s voices, etc. bounce all over, creating a very noisy living space.
How do I get an estimate for finishing my basement?
On our Web site home page click on the box that says contact us and fill out the submission form and submit it.
You may also call our toll free number @ 800-964-2155 and request a call back or e-mail us directly at
info@thebetterbasementcompany.com. Please always give us the best phone # and time to call you back.
Do you just install your wall system in a typical installation?
No all our distributors have the ability to do full finished basement installations including but not limited to Ceilings, Electrical, doors, windows bathrooms, bars etc.
How easy is it to remove a wall panel if I need to access my foundation wall?
It is fairly easy to remove a panel by unclipping the base molding and two verticals or the crown molding and two verticals. Just take your time and pay attention how it comes apart if removing a larger section of wall it might help if you label the pieces as they come out. So when it’s time to reassemble the wall the components go back in the correct places for a correct fit.
How long does it take to install The BBC wall system?
We feel that 12 to 15 days in your home is the length of time we need to finish an average size basement. To some degree it depends on the size of the space we are finishing and how clutter free the working space is when we start. If there is a bathroom and or wet bar included it could add a few work days to the project. Also the amount of customized work that has been requested could add time. Every town has their own time agenda when it comes to building inspections which we don’t have total control over.
What is the cost of your system?
The best way to determine the cost is by having one of our design consultants, visit your home and review your needs and thoughts on how you would like to use your future new living space. These facts will allow us to work up a floor plan and determine an install price for your review.