On The Basement Floor

Tile vinyl flooring has multiple seams that may invite moisture infiltration if water is left standing long enough.

On the basement floor.

Polished and sealed concrete is waterproof incredibly wear resistant and cheap to install. Underground living spaces can t hold moisture like the upper levels of your home. The good news is most basement floor cracks are normal and don t need to be repaired. And it s not the potential for water leaks either.

Most basements are below grade meaning that that they are below or partially below the ground level and most on built on a concrete slab and to top it all off the majority are uneven. Use a shop vacuum or other heavy duty vacuum cleaner to remove all dirt and debris from the basement floor. The surface of the floor should be as smooth and clean as possible before applying the waterproofing materials. The vast majority of basements in america are constructed using concrete one of the most durable materials available to home builders.

One of concrete s few weaknesses however is porousness. Cracks in the basement floor can be a cause of panic for homeowners. The best floor covering for your basement is no covering at all. When the warmer air from above seeps into your basement the moisture in the air condenses and ends up on your dark basement walls and cold water pipes.

Sweep the basement floor clean with a broom and dustpan. But it doesn t fit with every décor and isn t warm to the touch. Consider a variety of other flooring materials for a refined look and feel. The basement floor doesn t support the weight of the home so cracks in the floor won t affect the home s structural integrity.

When choosing flooring for your basement moisture is biggest consideration. Sheet vinyl flooring creates a nearly seamless water impervious surface on your basement floor always a good thing where moisture might be involved. Mold begins to form and the unpleasant smell you can t seem to shake is born. Condensation and water vapor are moisture related hazards unique to basements and they affect the kind of flooring that makes sense downstairs.