Ipe type porch floor over covered basement area.
I have covered porch on 1890 Victorian that is over part of the basement. It appears there is planking over the joists and the current floor (pine T&G) is nailed to that. I want to replace it with Ipe T&G or similar wood. Given that I need to leave the installation water tight to prevent rain in the basement, what is the best installation method? I assume (have not pulled floor to check) that there is something like tar paper between the floor and the planking. The porch is covered but gets some blown rain and snow (it’s New Hampshire).
Replies
dtesterm
The problem with a sandwich floor in even a covered situation is that any water that gets through can remain between the layers and cause rot to one or the other layer. The beauty of Ipe' might be that it could weather that situation (I have no idea). However, the lower subfloor is ?, which might not.
In addition, moist humid air from below (if that is the case in your basement) can be absorbed by the subfloor and migrate up. With no where to dry, that can be a problem. What is the condition of your planking from below? If moisture laden, it might appear discolored. I've seen some that had so much moisture below that a mushroom and white "spider web" type fungus grew all over.
Wonder what a layer of ice &water shield would do in between the two? It would seal the nail or screw penetrations keeping water from going below. However, it would be a non drying layer for what's below.
I have seen some old "cold rooms" below a small covered entry. Most didn't look the worst for wear with what I assume would be what you have-Felt paper between layers.
Be interesting to hear of better experience than I certainly didn't add to the discussion.
Best of luck.
Porch over Covered Area
The planking underneath appears to be sound when inspected from below. I am betting is is probably original. I agree that you would think there would be problems. The current floor is pine T&G that has probably been down less than 10 years and is is showing issues with water warp, etc. I'm stymied because I can't think of how to let it breathe. I don't have 2" to but it on sleepers with air below. I may just try to seal the new flooring good on both sides and put down some membrane.
I'd be interested to hear of differing ideas or.........
even agreement. This is an area of which I have no expertise.
Best of luck.
interesting problem
Can't offer you any real expertise here, but just "thinking out loud". Could you do something like Calvin suggested using I&W to make the floor as weathertight as possible, then count on a dehumidifier to take care of the moisture in the basement?......or is the basement just too damp to make dehumidification feasible?