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Q: floor coverings in basement ( Answered 3 out of 5 stars,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: floor coverings in basement
Category: Family and Home > Home
Asked by: doctordoris-ga
List Price: $21.00
Posted: 06 Jun 2004 08:28 PDT
Expires: 06 Jul 2004 08:28 PDT
Question ID: 357121
Our basement floor suffers from dampness sometimes, either from
condensation in summer (despite the dehumidifier) or from a leak in
the wall during an unusually heavy rainfall (once every 4 years, say).
The main room in our basement is an office that we occasionally turn
into a guest room.  What are our best options for floor coverings in
that room?  We want to avoid mold, mildew, and a musty smell.
Answer  
Subject: Re: floor coverings in basement
Answered By: tlspiegel-ga on 06 Jun 2004 14:49 PDT
Rated:3 out of 5 stars
 
Hi doctordoris,

Thank you for an interesting question.  I've provided you with several
options for floor coverings in your basement, which will solve the
problems of mold, mildew, musty odors.

I've listed them in no particular order.


DELTA-FL
http://www.deltams.com/deltafl/

Ever walk barefoot on a concrete floor?
If you're the owner of a home with an unfinished basement or concrete,
slab-on-grade floor, you know this can be a chilling experience!  Not
only is the concrete cold because it's in contact with the ground,
often it's damp as well.  Try this test:  tape a square of clear
plastic to the concrete floor.  Leave it overnight to see how much
moisture "wicks" up from the ground through the concrete, just like a
sponge!

DELTA-FL:  a revolutionary new flooring idea
Until recently, the only way to rise above the cold of a concrete slab
floor was to  construct a wood subfloor.  Even then, a wood floor does
nothing to combat dampness! But now there's a far better -- cheaper,
easier and more effective -- solution.
DELTA-FL  is a uniquely dimpled, heavy-duty grey plastic membrane that
keeps you and your family warm and comfortable in your basement rec
room, or any room in the house with a concrete, slab-on-grade floor. 
It's a far better choice than a wood subfloor for so many reasons:

COST: DELTA-FL is 40 to 50% cheaper than a
wood subfloor 
HEIGHT:  1½ inches lower than a wood subfloor 
WARRANTY:  comes with a 20 year product warranty 
EASY TO INSTALL:  it's a snap for even non-handy types to install a
floor using DELTA-FL.

1. In a fraction of the time it takes to construct a wood subfloor,
DELTA-FL creates a highly effective barrier against cold and damp.
Installation couldn't be simpler.  DELTAFL is available in 4 x 8 ft.
sheets or 5.0 x 65.6 ft. rolls.  Just roll out and cut to size.
Individual pieces are placed dimple-side down and overlapped by 6
inches to "lock" each piece to its neighbor.  Seams can be sealed with
butyl tape if desired.

2.  At the same time as DELTA-FL seals off moisture, its dimples
create a continuous "air gap" over the surface of the concrete. This
air gap does three things:

It insulates.  Floors covered with DELTA-FL are 25% warmer, on average. 

It protects the concrete by allowing it to "breathe" and dry.  It
permits any  air-borne moisture to be vented to the wall area -- not
absorbed into floor coverings.
 
It cushions your steps to provide a healthier, more comfortable walking surface. 
 
3. Most laminated flooring can be placed directly on top of DELTA-FL. 
For other floor treaments, DELTA-FL is covered with sheets of Tongue &
Grove plywood subfloor or OSB. These are anchored to the concrete with
concrete screws. Now the floor is ready for laminate carpet, sheet
vinyl, or any other finish you wish!

4. Because DELTA-FL puts an impermeable barrier between carpets and
the damp concrete slab, it stops musty smells and carpet rot.  Floor
coatings like linoleum won't lift, and your basement will have the
same high quality, dry warm floors as the rest of your home.

5. Here's the most important reason to use DELTA-FL -- your family's
health and comfort .  DELTA-FL  helps prevent molds that can cause 
allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.  It ensures that
below-grade play and living areas are as warm, dry  and comfortable
for day-to-day family activities as the rest of your  house.

Form for More Information:
http://www.deltams.com/deltams/ordering.html

Contact:
http://www.deltams.com/contact/index.asp

U.S. and Canadian Delta-FL Distributors:
http://www.deltams.com/distributors/index.asp 

If your area is not listed:
Toll Free: 1-888-4DELTA4 (1-888-433-5824)

=================================================

Subflor ADVANCE
http://www.subflor.com/home.asp

Tired of wasting a whole level in your house?
If your basement isn't as comfy and cosy as the rest of your home,
blame the floor. Concrete floors are porous and can be cold and damp.
But now there's a quick, easy way to take the chill off concrete:
Subflor ADVANCE.

Subflor ADVANCE is a new flooring product that's ideal for basements
or rooms built over concrete slab. Designed after its predecessor -
"Subflor", it still consists of 2 ft. x 2 ft. (nominal) panels just
7/8" in height that interlock to create a smooth, solid surface, ready
for the installation of virtually any finished floor covering. So
what's new? Subflor ADVANCE features an improved moisture barrier,
with a built-in channellng system to channel away moisture and keep
your floor dry!

Subflor ADVANCE FAQs
http://www.subflor.com/faqs.asp

Click on the following links:

What are the main reasons for installing a Subflor ADVANCE floor panel system?
How much headroom will I lose with Subflor ADVANCE?
Is Subflor ADVANCE able to support heavy furniture or objects?
Can I install Subflor ADVANCE by myself?
How long does it take to install Subflor ADVANCE in the average basement?
My floor isn't even. Can I still use Subflor ADVANCE?
What floor coverings can I place overtop of my Subflor ADVANCE flooring system?
Does Subflor ADVANCE prevent mold?
Why is Subflor ADVANCE considered "ergonomic"?
Is Subflor ADVANCE a tested and proven product?
What makes Subflor ADVANCE unique?
How does Subflor ADVANCE work?
How long will Subflor ADVANCE last?
Can Subflor ADVANCE be used in conjuntion with radiant water heating?
How much does a Subflor ADVANCE panel weigh?

Lowe's stocks Subflor ADVANCE

Want to Recieve Literature on Subflor ADVANCE?
http://www.subflor.com/media-request.asp

Types of Finishes
http://www.subflor.com/finishes.asp

Dealer Locations U.S. and Canada:
http://www.subflor.com/dealers.asp

Supra Floors Inc.
44 Woodbine Downs Blvd.
Rexdale, Ontario
Canada
M9W 5R2

Phone: 416.675.1048  
Fax:   416.675.3772  
Toll Free 1.866.SUB.FLOR ( 1.866.782.3567 )  
General Inquires in the USA: 1.888.889.8200

Email: info@Subflor.com
 
=================================================

The Dollar Stretcher
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03sep08b.cfm

Better Basement Floors

Q. Does anyone have a simple, inexpensive solution to covering
concrete basement floors? We have done various things, including
linoleum blocks. However, they came loose when it got damp/wet down
there. Is there a good paint that will stay on and look good? I would
like to know what others have tried for concrete basement floors.
Carole, Missouri

Answers:

Do Your Prep Work

Address Moisture and Then Paint

Try This Epoxy Kit

Sponge Paint to Look like Granite

Look into Concrete Stain

Boat Deck Paint May Be the Answer

Creativity at its Best

=================================================

RadonSeal
http://www.radonseal.com/basement-remodeling.htm

Your step #1 in basement remodeling

Waterproofing 
Damp-proofing 
Radon mitigation 
Concrete preservation 
The spray-on application is quick and easy for basement remodeling
contractors or homeowners. RadonSeal is non-toxic, nonflammable, and
emits no VOC's. And best of all, the seal is permanent!

RadonSeal FAQs
http://www.radonseal.com/radon-faq.htm

Click on the following links:

RadonSeal Concrete Sealer FAQ's
RadonSeal or membrane sealers? 
Con I seal through paint? 
Painted walls or floors? 
How to remove paints or surface sealers 
How to remove tile adhesives 
Finished basement? 
Damp walls in a new house 
Peeling floor tiles? 
Does RadonSeal remove the "white powder" (efflorescence)? 
Can I buy RadonSeal in a store? 
I am busy, can you apply RadonSeal for me? 
If I meet the 4 pCi/L limit, isn't that enough? 
My five-year old carpet is wet in one corner 
Why hasn't EPA recommended sealers? 
What if I already have a sub-slab de-pressurization system? 
The more RadonSeal I apply, the better, right? 
What if I have some RadonSeal left? 

RadonSeal is not sold through retail stores. 

Available exclusively from: 
Radon Mitigation & Waterproofing Concrete Sealer Co. 
Novion Inc., 
18 L'Hermitage Drive
Shelton, CT 06484 USA

Phone:     (203) 225-0366 
Toll Free: 1-800-472-0603 
Email:  sales@radonseal.com  

=================================================

Hosking Hardwood - About Hosking Hardwood Flooring
http://www.hoskinghardwood.com/about.asp

"If you are one of the many fans of the PBS series "This Old House"
you have probably seen Jeff Hosking and his crew, from Hosking
Hardwood Floors of Walpole, Massachusetts on the show. Jeff has been
the hardwood flooring consultant for "This Old House" since 1984. Jeff
has also been the hardwood flooring consultant and a regular on the
show for the WHDH radio talk show called "The House Doctors". Among
other things he has written Chapters in the "This Old House" Books and
has written various in depth hardwood flooring articles for many home
improvement magazines, including "This Old House..."

[edit]

All About Floating Wood Floors By Jeff Hosking - Hosking Hardwood Flooring
http://www.hoskinghardwood.com/floatingwoodfloors.asp

Q. Can I use a Floating wood floor in my basement?

A. Yes, this is what floating floors were designed for. Basements are
known to have slightly higher relative humidity due to being under the
ground. It is recommended to use a floating engineered wood floor in
any areas where there is a slightly higher normal relative humidity

[edit]

Q. Can I install my own Floating Floor?

A. Yes, Installing Prefinished wood flooring in not rocket science, if
you can measure a board cut & glue it to another board then you can
install our hardwood flooring. It is fairly easy and rewarding, not to
mention that you will save a lot of money doing it yourself. Our
flooring comes with easy to follow instructions. Standard tool
knowledge and common sense would naturally help. If you purchase your
flooring from Hosking Hardwood Flooring, we will gladly take the time
to walk you through your installation.

Hosking Hardwood Flooring
PO Box 163
Walpole, MA. 02081

Product information Hotline: (508) 668-8315 or (508) 643-0810
Toll Free:  (877) 356-6755
Email: jeff@hoskinghardwood.com
  
Contact Form:
http://www.hoskinghardwood.com/contact.asp

=================================================

Basement Systems
http://www.basementsystems.com/basement.html

Let Basement Systems finish off your basement to create a home office,
family or children?s play room, workshop, fitness room, or a clean,
dry storage area.

Local Dealers:
http://www.basementsystems.com/locator.html

Basement Systems, Inc.
Customer Service Center
60 Silvermine Road
Seymour, Connecticut 06483

Phone: 1-800-541-0487
Fax:   203-881-5095 

Email:  customerservice@basementsystems.com       
Email:  info@basementsystems.com




Keyword search:

floor coverings damp basement
solve damp basement problem
flooring damp basement
covering concrete basement floor


Best regards,
tlspiegel
doctordoris-ga rated this answer:3 out of 5 stars
OK, but it could have been more in-depth

Comments  
Subject: Re: floor coverings in basement
From: daytrader76-ga on 06 Jun 2004 16:33 PDT
 
Just paint the floor with concrete floor paint.  It's cheap and comes
with flecks that you can mix in for appearance.  Or if you have the
money, you could put down ceramic tile.  Each of these solutions will
handle a flood very well.

I am no fan of wood floors in a basement.  Even other materials that
are supposed to be better still trap water underneath after a flood.

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