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I’d like to finish my basement shop floor (poured concrete) with something like vinyl tile (heavy-duty) or fir flooring, but I’m concerned about moisture coming through the concrete. The basement is dry, although usually humid (I run dehumidifiers throughout the year). Suggestions, or comments regarding one or both of my choices?? If I go with wood, how to attach, or just let it float?
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Greetings Philip
Not knowing where you are located, geographically,
I am assuming that the humidity is localized in your basement.
Do a moisture test before proceeding. Take a 12 x 12 inch piece of poly and tape it to the concrete floor, sealing the perimeter completely, wait 24 hours and check it out. If water is beading under the surface of the plastic, then you also have a moisture problem to contend with.
Assuming all is well, the use of wood or cork floating floor would be the more desirable way to go and also cost effect. If you use wood, installing a 4 mil cork layer underneath will give a warmer effect by insulating it from the concrete. If moisture is a problem the addition of a layer of poly will greatly reduce the effect.
Hope I was of some assistance.
Gabe Martel GSC
Project Manager
*I sounds like you do have a moisture situation, and regardless of what you put on the floor, the water vapor will migrate to the basement atmosphere. I would be inclined to let it happen with the least interference and keeping the dehumidifiers running. You might want to consider 3/4 CDX ply on sleepers of 5/4 x 6 pressure treated decking, with 1" EPS between the sleepers if you're in a cold climate.Good luck
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I'd like to finish my basement shop floor (poured concrete) with something like vinyl tile (heavy-duty) or fir flooring, but I'm concerned about moisture coming through the concrete. The basement is dry, although usually humid (I run dehumidifiers throughout the year). Suggestions, or comments regarding one or both of my choices?? If I go with wood, how to attach, or just let it float?