Waterproof Basement Flooring Options

A basement is advantageous since it provides more room in a house that can be converted into usable space either for living or storage in areas with high land prices. But one of the main problems with basements is that it can be hard to keep water out of them. 

You may risk your family’s health if you neglect the sanitation of the basement. Bacteria and hazardous germs can thrive in a wet or damp environment, leading to illnesses and disorders. Thus, basement waterproofing must be done when required. 

Basement waterproofing may or may not be necessary, depending on the building type and location. This article will help you know more about waterproofing options for your basement.

Waterproof Basement Flooring

Waterproof Basement Flooring Options

Waterproofing Options You can Adopt

Landscaping, installing vapor barriers, and using raised floor tiles with a vapor barrier are just a few options for dealing with basement moisture. Some other options include:

1. Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring are popular choices for waterproof flooring. These tiles feature a distinct geometric pattern. Tiles like this one are designed to keep water out of the room. Underlayment or a specific subfloor is not required for ceramic and porcelain tile, but the slab must be level and clean.

This is the best option if you’re looking for a long-lasting, waterproof floor. It’s a breeze to keep these tiles spotless. Such flooring is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles ranging from natural stone and wood to geometric designs and plain colors. A hard surface such as tile does not absorb sound or provide thermal comfort. 

2. Epoxy Flooring

If you are looking for a bright yet durable play area for your children, epoxy flooring would be best. Epoxy is impervious to moisture, but its short lifespan (2-3 years) makes it a less long-term investment than other flooring options. Because it’s applied straight to the concrete slab, it will be cold and uncomfortable to stand on for a while.

Applying Epoxy yourself is fine, but if your goal is long-term durability, you may want to hire an expert. The slab can be coated with Epoxy in two stages. The epoxy resin is applied in the initial stage, and the application of a hardener is the next step in the process. In addition to being a sealant and a flooring design, Epoxy is also a liquid coating. 

3. Damp-proofing the Basement

Damp-proofing prevents soil moisture from seeping into a building’s foundation, which is done during the building’s initial construction. Basement floors are coated with a damp-proofing substance, which can be sprayed or done by hand. 

4. Rubber Flooring

Using this type of flooring will help keep your basement dry and fresh. This flooring may easily be removed and reinstalled to meet your basement demands.

There are various advantages to installing rubber flooring. Rubber flooring is more comfortable to walk on than other basement flooring options. Even when it’s raining, this flooring won’t get soggy. 

Also, cleaning rubber flooring is a cinch. Regular vacuuming is the only thing you’ll need to keep the surface clean. It does not become slippery even if it becomes wet or water splashes. In fact, this type of floor becomes even more slip-resistant when it is wet or exposed to water.

Installing this water-resistant flooring is perfect if you live in an area prone to flooding or have a lot of water around. However, it is limited in terms of aesthetics. Rubber floor installation is more time-consuming and necessitates the services of a specialist.

5. Vinyl Plank

When it comes to visual appeal, durability, and beautiful color and texture options, waterproof vinyl flooring is the finest option for any room in your home. If your basement is in good shape and properly prepared, you can lay the luxury vinyl planks right on top of it.

LVT, or luxury vinyl tile, is available in both planks and squares. Textures and patterns may be added to such flooring because its thickness makes it like real wood or stone. A vapor barrier underlayment may be necessary if you’re placing vinyl on top of concrete affected by moisture.

These floors are water-resistant but can’t protect your basement from moisture damage. Vinyl floors are impervious to water damage, but the subfloor beneath them may still be vulnerable to mildew and rot growth.

6. Concrete Flooring or Concrete Sealer

It’s possible that leaving your concrete subfloor uncovered is the best treatment option. A concrete floor may be just what you’re looking for if you’re going for a more industrial look in your home.

Concrete is an excellent material to use in areas of your basement that are more functional, such as a laundry room or a mudroom. It can be sanded and sealed in the Terrazo manner. 

Waterproof concrete sealant is another option to keep water from seeping into the concrete slab from below. However, cleaning your concrete slab is essential before installing this waterproof flooring. The concrete must be free of dirt and debris for the sealer to be applied properly and effectively. 

7. Carpet Tiles

Raised carpet tiles are an option if you want to carpet your basement family room but are worried about moisture damage. If the basement slab is adequately sealed, carpet tiles can be used on top of it. In the event of a spill, it is necessary to vacuum and blot it up. 

Carpet tile is also an excellent choice for insulating a basement because of its added comfort underneath bare feet. With a vast range of shapes, colors, patterns, and textures, carpet tiles can be used in various ways in a room’s décor.

The best part is that if any of them are damaged by water, they can all be replaced individually. However, excessive moisture flowing upward through the slab can weaken the glue and cause the carpet tiles to disappear.

8. Slate Tile

Slate is mostly grey, ranging from light to dark, but it can also have other colors, like red and green. It is a natural stone that needs to be sealed before being grouted. Slate tile will give your basement a clean, modern look that will easily keep up and last for decades.

In some situations, a membrane could be needed under slate as well. It is very hard to damage but can crack if it isn’t put down on a solid, level subfloor. Slate is easily broken when it is put in place. So, hire a professional to put in your slate flooring. 

9. Choosing Carpet

Carpet may not seem like the best choice for a damp basement, but still, it is very popular due to its cozy and relaxing feel. Even if you don’t encounter severe flooding, you can’t expect basement carpeting to endure as long as upper-story carpets.

To prevent mold and mildew from forming, ensure that your basement is completely watertight before installing carpeting. So, invest in synthetic fiber and backer carpets of the highest quality. Natural jute backers, which decompose when wet, should be avoided in carpets.

10. Clean your Drainage System

With this technique, water is pumped out of the house and into the outside drains. Your basement can be kept dry even if there is a leak or buildup of water in the drainage system. You can also hire a contractor to excavate up to the foundation’s base from the basement’s perimeter.

After that, seal the basement’s walls and floor with a waterproofing compound or cement. Don’t forget to check the surface drainage pipes and drains for any cracks or leaks. It’s also a good idea to secure all the pipes before filling the hole.

Conclusion

Even if your basement walls don’t leak and don’t get wet, there’s no reason not to waterproof the floor. There are so many different flooring designs and styles on the market that there is something for everyone. You can buy waterproof flooring that fits your style and the look of your home as a whole


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