3 Flooring Options For A Concrete Basement
Finishing a basement is a terrific way to add extra space to your home. Yet many people hesitate to undertake this project because they can't figure out what to do about their basement's concrete floor. If you have an unfinished basement that's just begging for overhaul, read on. This article will present three of the most common flooring options.
Carpet
Carpet remains one of the most popular flooring options for a basement. Not only is it relatively inexpensive, but it helps to transform a cold, sterile floor into a warm and inviting surface. Yet carpet also has a significant drawback, in that it presents an attractive target for unwanted moisture--moisture that can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and other unwanted substances.
For that reason, when carpeting a concrete basement floor, it is vital that you first install a vapor barrier. As its name would imply, a vapor barrier consists of a water-impermeable sheet of plastic. It prevents moisture from migrating upward into the carpet. This is an especially important feature to have for those who live in wet, flood-prone climates. Even a little bit of moisture can be enough to ruin a good carpet.
Epoxy Coating
Depending on your particular needs and aesthetic vision, carpeting simply may not be the best option. An attractive alternative is epoxy coating--often mistakenly referred to as epoxy paint, because of similarities in its consistency and application. Three or four layers of epoxy coating on a concrete floor will provide not only a smooth attractive surface, but will form a waterproof barrier, thus keeping your basement nice and dry.
Another benefit of epoxy coating is its ease of installation, which is well within the grasp of many homeowners. Be aware, however, that in order for the epoxy coating to cure properly, you must ensure that the temperature in your basement remains at or above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the application process. Likewise, you must take pains to protect yourself from the potentially harmful fumes by employing enhanced ventilation techniques and wearing a respirator.
Interlocking Foam Tiles
For a more informal result, consider using interlocking foam tiles to cover your basement floor. Such tiles come in a wealth of different colors, meaning you can customize the appearance to suit your needs. Best of all, the installation takes mere minutes. Simply snap the tiles together and you're good to go. Because the tiles provide a nice degree of cushioning, they are especially great for basements that double as workshops and tool rooms. Contact a business, such as Safe-Guard Waterproofing for more information.