Basement flooring is a highly important aspect for homeowners who wish to utilize their basement to the fullest. Besides, good basement flooring also enhances the overall beauty of the basement space.

Making the right floor choice for the basement is tricky as one has to consider about the probability of moisture looming through the floors. The options that are available in the market for a basement flooring redo are porcelain tiles, ceramics, laminate and hardwood floor. In this article we will share our thoughts to help you take an informed decision.

Selecting appropriate basement flooring becomes difficult especially if the basement problem appears complicated. For all basements, the biggest issue is unwanted moisture. Seeping below concrete, moisture weakens the adhesive bond used for tiles or floors to make the hardwood floors warp and buckle and also make the carpets get an elusive and stinky smell due to mold growth.

Another reason why it is a daunting task to select basement flooring is the humid environment of basement rooms and their high susceptibility to flooding from outdoor seepage and leakage pipes. Most options related to basement flooring include some sort of trade-off. The best way to start, however, is by knowing the options. Assuming that your basement is dry (either after having the moisture issues treated or naturally), you can start considering flooring based options. Below are some of the choices:-

 Wood – One of the least viable of all the choices, wood flooring tends to rot, warp and buckle under highly moist conditions observed in most basements.

 Carpet – Though carpet is inexpensive, it is more prone to mildew and mold issues – especially if flooding or leaks are a problem. However, padding carpet with anti-microbial lining may mitigate some issues related to moisture.

 Tile - Tile is water resistant and decorative option, which could get directly installed to the concrete floor in good condition and is consistently dry. In other instances, a water resistant sub-floor will be advisable.

 Laminates – Laminate based flooring would give the elegant look of wood with high moisture resistance. Since laminates are floating floors, they never get directly attached to the sub-floor. However, if you face any problems related to the lamination flooring , the repairs could be cumbersome.

 Concrete – If you have a concrete floor ready, you can take the full advantage as concrete doesn’t get stained or painted. A polished concrete floor gives the plush look. Properly constructed concrete basement does not crack or leak water.

BASEMENT MOISTURE

Having discussed all the possible basement floor options to combat moisture related problems one would agree that wood floors can never be the ideal choice. Mold growth cases related to moisture is more common to wood floors. The risk will persist even if extra care to seal the wood floor with carpet or using a hardwood to the basement is decided on.  It is best to avoid wood flooring for basements with excessive moisture related problems.

However, if you are insistent about wood floors then you may consider engineered floor as an option. Engineered floors are the outcome of using three to five layers of different hardwood materials with a high density fiberboard core. This flooring is known to have a higher resiliency to humidity.

A decision on finishing the basement floor can be taken based on the utility of the room, personal taste and the budget on hand.

ADVANTAGES OF A SUB-FLOOR

The most comfortable options for flooring include sub-floor installations. . A sub-floor keeps the vinyl, linoleum, tile or whichever flooring you select away from any direct contact with cold concrete. Adequate insulation provided by the sub-floor makes the walking surface warm and comfortable. It would also dry up the finished floor and, in the event of any plumbing leak; the sub-floor would permit the finished floor to dry. Any sort of flooring could be installed on the sub-floor – wood, bamboo, tile, linoleum, carpet, etc.

RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM USAGE FOR FLOORING BASEMENTS

Basement floors are generally known for cold and damp attributes that are unbearable to the bare foot. Radiant heating systems are installed to distribute consistent warm temperature that is absorbed by the basement surrounding. When compared to a forced air systems, this technology guarantees a cleaner room without stirring up dust or allergens. According to studies conducted in houses with radiant heating, dust mite occurrence has decreased by 80%.  With this technology becoming popular more choices in terms of energy efficiency, environmental considerations and simplicity are available to the purchaser.

If you have any basement moisture based problem, it is better to resolve the issue, before installing any type of floor treatment, including carpet. To resolve moisture based problems, work with a licensed contractor.

If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems, call us at 800-771-3244 or visit us at http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html.

You may also contact Aaron Stull -IAQA expert on the official IAQ site: - Email Member

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Basement remodeling offers many benefits, including increase in storage and living space. Most basements act as cozy room for entertainment, home office, dining purposes and business set-up but generally they are used to store junk. Before remodeling the basement, it is important to consider all functions, that the new basement is to serve. A good examination of the basement will help to make the best use of it.

Sensible utilization of the basement pays off finally. Below are the steps to assist you with basement building and designing:-

 Basement Waterproofing: - Basements generally face the problems with flooding and dampness that  cellar depreciates home value by 25 %. It is important to fully solve the problem before embarking on any remodeling. Permanent solutions take time to implement and so it is best suggested to seek the advice of expert waterproofing agents. Waterproofing concrete sealers are generally suggested as a  remedy to overcome the basement problems.

Waterproofing sealers are two-way application processes and are simply sprayed into concrete with low-pressure pump sprayer and thereafter cleaned with tap water. When compared to a plain waterproof concrete, waterproofing sealers do a lot more. They solve health problems that are likely associated with wet or damp basements. Basement moisture acts as a breeding ground for mildew and mold spores, not to mention about the damp odor. Waterproofing sealers are known to  reduce the health risks usually associated with cancer causing radon.

Unlike the fan systems that first permit air in and then vent them outside, it stops radon before entering the house. Whatever be the purpose of the basement - usable living space or just a storage space, concrete sealer makes the basement odor free, pleasant and hygienic for use.

Basement Finishing Techniques - Basement finishing is a complicated process and calls for the recommendations of a professionally-trained contractor.  There has been a great advancement in the basement finishing techniques that offers distinct advantage over the drywall construction and wood used earlier. Framing techniques, plumbing, lighting, door installation and other basement finishing techniques are employed to convert the basement to a better space of the building.

Drying and Warming: Utilization of the basement space is best when they are dry and warm. To make the basement more comfortable, consider the installation of a second heat source like fireplace, floor warming system or a wood burning system. Water resistant floor coverings like vinyl, tiles, area rugs etc can be considered as a profitable investment to minimize any potential water damage to the basement.

Walls: While renovating your basement to an utility area consider the walls, as they enhance the beauty of the area.  If wood is considered for the walls then ensure that it is CCA treated that is Kiln dried to prevent moisture leeching through the concrete floor. If possible eliminate as many posts and columns to make the basement appear spacious.

Nail the top plate to above joists. Plumb the walls before nailing. Before standing the wall, run a bead of construction adhesive on bottom. Then, drive nails to concrete using powder actuated set of nails. Do these to every stud space, closing to each door stud. Also consider relocating air ducts along walls and beams to improve the appearance of the area. Radon seal on the concrete will help against water seepage and water vapor.

Furnishings: Use drapes and plush carpets sparingly to overcome the problems faced with  chronic basement outflow. Consider storing books, linens and clothes in the basement after the moisture assessment of the basement. Area rugs are ideal for floors as they could be easily removed, dried and cleaned. If you prefer wall-to-wall carpeting, consider low pile indoor/outdoor or commercial type. Rustic furnishings are best suggested for basement decoration, so use faux paintings to get the look.

FLOOR COVERING

 Carpet Pad – If you wish to install carpets on basement floor, spend a bit on thickest carpet pad that you would get. This helps to smoothen out concrete irregularities, especially jack posts and walls.

 Laminate Floor Padding – While replacing carpet with laminate flooring, don’t use carpet pad for new floors. It is too soft and too thick to work correctly and leaves the new floor mushy. Consider a subfloor prior to finished floor to reduce the echoing sound effect, to prevent moisture damage from the concrete floor and to get that extra warmth.

 Electric Floor Heating – It acts as the only source of heat and a good solution for cold basements. While combining this with air-heating system, simply warm your floor for few hours each day to add warmth to your basement.

TECHNIQUES FOR BASEMENT LIGHTING

Whether it is artificial or natural, adding light could make substantial difference to the overall feel of your basement. Since basements tend to be gloomy and dark, your first step must be to add light. If a portion of basement is located above ground, have as much windows possible to allow maximum possible natural light. For basements located below the ground, ‘Can lights’ can be used.

USE ARTIFICIAL LIGHT CREATIVELY

As basement ceilings are usually low, you may feel as if you are in a cave. Hence, use indirect lighting to splash large light pools on ceiling. This causes the space to open up, permitting rooms to look higher.

A mix of traditional recessed lighting and up-lighting offers you the flexibility to create variety of lighting moods. When natural light won’t be an option for you, depend on artificial light to create a warm atmosphere. Floor and table lamps also work well. Ceiling lightings are also used. Mirrors can be skillfully placed to reflect light and make the basement brighter and merrier.

Occupancy Sensors

When you use occupancy sensors, you add hands-free convenience and energy efficiency. If you descend basement stairs with your hands full, the sensors turn the lights on automatically, keeping them in an on mode while walking around the room and turning them off as soon as you leave.

Recessed Lighting

For basic general lighting where you have room in ceiling, use recessed lights as they provide a brighter look and brilliant white light.

Directional Lights and Surface Mounted Spotlights

These are the perfect choice for lighting effects, where you wouldn’t like to install recessed lights or track lights. To highlight architectural elements and pictures, use directional lights and surface-mounted spotlights. They also offer task lighting in home offices, bathrooms and kitchens.

Track Lights
Many incandescent track lights offer brilliant white light, and in most basements, provide more finished look to the space. Basements were formerly used as a space to store and keep boiler and water tank.

Finished basements are highly desirable in the current US real estate market. Artistically finished basements are preferred by one and all. As a fact, most real estate salespeople involve basement area to calculate the total square footage of home.

Most homeowners use their finished basement mainly as office space to conduct their daily business in quiet environment, fully separate from busy life. Others use their basement as an additional bedroom for guests, friends or kids.

Basements are commonly used as play rooms or family rooms. In fact, few homeowners rent their basement to self-contained units.This way, the rent not just covers renovation cost, but also helps in mortgage payments, serving as additional income. Finished basement not only introduces appeal to home, but also enhances its value potentially.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”