Caring for basement flooring can be difficult. Not because it can't be vacuumed, swept, or mopped like flooring anywhere else in the home, but because when you're dealing with a basement, you're also dealing with the conditions of a below-grade floor. These conditions include variable humidity, as well as moisture and water vapor that can enter the home through the porousness of the concrete foundation. Extreme conditions can sometimes result in flooding. The moisture issues associated with basements are largely why solid hardwood floors can’t be installed there, as they tend to warp and buckle under fluctuating conditions. Luckily, flooring like carpet, tile, and vinyl are good options for the basement. Even though many types of flooring are water resistant, there are things you can do to protect your basement from unexpected water intrusion. Read on to learn about some precautions you can take to protect your Avon, Ohio, home.
Proper Exterior Drainage
Gutter downspouts should be moving water away from your foundation, not toward it. A good rule of thumb is to make sure water is being released at least five feet away from your house. If that's not the case, consider gutter extensions, which are cheap and effective. In order to prevent water from building up around your foundation, the exterior ground should slope away from your home. Generally you'll want to slope the grade so that it drops six inches for every six feet of land.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
To keep moisture at safe levels in your home, consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your basement. This will help prevent mold growth and moisture from damaging your floors.
Seal Vents
Assuming the HVAC system is located in the basement, leaky vents can be a source of excess humidity. With this in mind, be sure to check the vents and seal any leaky areas with foil tape.
Pipe Insulators
Old pipes are likely to condensate and drip water. If pipes become frozen, however, they're likely to burst. Both instances can be problematic to your Avon home’s basement flooring. This can be a simple fix with insulators that you place around the pipes.
Vapor Barrier Underlayment
Concrete is porous, which means water vapor can seep through your home’s foundation and affect your flooring. One easy way to prevent this from happening is by taking preventative measures before you install your floors by putting down a vapor barrier. This will keep water vapor at bay, and will allow you to install the flooring right over it.
If your basement is ready to go and have new flooring installed, we can help! At Floor Coverings International® of Avon Lake, we offer free in-home estimates and design consultations in the Westlake, Avon Lake, & Avon, OH,Bay Village, Rocky River, Olmstead Falls area. Contact us today to schedule yours!
Photo: © Iriana Shiyan