Best Practices for Basement Floor Care

Basement flooring can be difficult to maintain. Not only because it cannot be swept or mopped like the floor anywhere in the house, but because you are dealing with a basement, but also because you are dealing with the conditions of a sub-classroom floor. These conditions include moisture and water vapor that can enter the home through the porosity of the concrete foundation, as well as variable humidity. Extreme conditions can sometimes cause flooding. The moisture issues associated with basements are largely because hard hardwood floors cannot be placed there, as they tend to bend and warp under fluctuating conditions. Fortunately floors like carpet, tile, and vinyl are good options for the basement. While many types of flooring are water resistant, there are things you can do to protect your basement from unexpected water ingress.

Convenient External Drainage

Gutter pipes should move the water towards it, not away from your foundation. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the water is released at least five feet from your home. If that's not the case, consider gutter extensions that are cheap and effective. The outer floor should slope away from your home to prevent water from pooling around your foundation. Typically, you will want to tilt the slope so that it drops six inches for every six feet of terrain.

Invest in a Dehumidifier

Consider getting a dehumidifier for your basement to keep humidity at safe levels in your home. This will help prevent mold growth and moisture from damaging your floors.

Seal Holes

Assuming the HVAC system is in the basement, leaking vents can be a source of excess moisture. With this in mind, be sure to check the vents and seal any leaking areas with foil tape.

Pipe Insulators

Old pipes are likely to condense and drip water. However, if the pipes freeze, their explosion is possible. Either way can cause problems for your home's basement floor. This can be a simple fix with insulators that you place around the pipes.

Vapor Barrier Underlay

Concrete is porous, which means water vapor can seep through the foundation of your home and affect your flooring. An easy way to prevent this from happening is to take preventive measures by lowering a vapor barrier before you lay your floors. This will keep water vapor away and allow you to install the flooring right on it.