Hello,
I’m about to tackle a basic basement finishing job. I’ve done these before but never with a basement that has a history of flooding. The flooding is very minor (actually more like minor leaking). Does anyone have any advice about where to start? What would be a good flooring solution?
Thank you!
Replies
Tile. Under the floor.
I think when it comes to leaking in a foundation, it's not a minor issue. Maybe not what you want to hear but fix the leaks properly, then finish the basement...you'll save yourself a lot of headaches.
I would agree with some of the other advice -- try to fix the leak first if you can. Otherwise you're inviting mold to take up residence under whatever you put in.
That having been said, I realize it's not always reasonably possible to fix the leak. My dad's place is like that and he's tried many different things to take care of the issue.
I'd suggest going with tile. There are riser blocks that you can get that create a channel underneath the tile. I think they come as a snap together grid that you would need to place another underlayment on top of as well. So working from the basement concrete, you'll have:
concrete
channel / riser block
under-layment
mortar
tile
And I would still go with tile. Anything else will be more prone to rotting or warping way sooner than you would like.
FWIW, I've used Schluter Ditra to cover the VAT in my basement and to create a isolation layer between the concrete and the tile. So far, I've been very, very impressed with it. I really believe the Schluter helps keep the tile from shifting around and cracking the grout.
Hope that helps.
Glen
You start by fixing the leaks, anything else is backwards; fix them now or fix them later, sorry.
"If all else fails, read the directions"
Do an advanced search with the words "no mold basement" for some discussions from the recent past.
Issue 169 has a detailed schematic on how to achieve a decent basement. I have an intermittant H2O problem (2-3 times a year) when we get a gully washer. I folowed this plan and no mold as of yet (2 years). The key is seperating any moisture from any cellulose (treated or untreated wood and insulation facing paper). Next is if anything does get wet it must be able to dry, if you have a constant leak you must minimize it as much as possible. finishing may not be possible without major work ($$$).
For some more info try this link, it might still be good
http://www.buildingscience.com/resources/mold/Read_This_Before_You_Design_Build_or_Renovate.pdf
Many thanks to all. Now I have some food for thought.
Even if you do fix the problem with running water, one of the "systems" that elevates the floor slightly is probably a good idea to keep moisture from wicking through the flooring.