Legal to cover cellar walls with plastic sheeting?

Our cellar is mostly brick/stone walls and exposted joists. I want to cover up the walls and ceiling to keep dust off stuff we keep down there, but I don’t know what’s safe/legal. The easiest thing is just tpo hang plastic dropcloths on the walls and staple them to the joists but I can see that being a hazard. Does anybody know if this is kosher or if there’s a better way to do it?

JimmyLegs

in Cellar 13 years and 7 months ago

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wyckoff | 13 years and 7 months ago

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You are better off using a breathable masonry sealer or paint on the walls and paint the joists/ceiling wth latex.  The plastic will get gross and disintigrate over time, trap moisture and potentially harbor mildew, smells, etc.

JimmyLegs | 13 years and 7 months ago

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that’s what i was hoping to see, a fire-retardant heavy-duty sheeting! it won’t be permanent but might fill the bill for the time being. moisture is an issue but the dehumidifier does a good enough job.

Augustiner | 13 years and 7 months ago

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if it´s not fire retardant I wouldn´t put open plastic dropcloth anywhere in my house as constant installation. Also consider that if you close the wall and the moisture is contained it might lead to more mold and fungus.

slopemope | 13 years and 7 months ago

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you mean like this?   http://www.americover.com/6_mil_reinforced_fire_rated_680_prd1.htm   the only other thing i might be concerned with is if you trap moisture in the walls, you might get mold between the plastic and wall and ceiling joists.  if you keep some holes in the plastic and a humidifier with thermostat down there you should probably be OK.