The selection of the best floor for the basement as well as other rooms of your home in which humidity is high must be handled with attention. The goal is to ensure that the flooring will last for a long time and doesn’t become damaged because of humidity.
How To Use Laminate Flooring Your Basement
In the event that your basement has been air-conditioned and properly treated it is possible to install flooring materials such as laminate and engineered wood. A lot of homeowners choose laminate flooring because it’s more affordable and attractive. If you have prepared the basement subfloor in a proper manner, laminate flooring is an attractive alternative.
Potential Issues Posed By Laminate Flooring
When you decide to install laminate flooring, knowing the potential issues so that you can be prepared to take the necessary steps.
Groundwater
The basement’s subfloor is generally composed of concrete slabs which are porous and absorb water quickly. Based on the climate of your area and the amount of rainfall and humidity you experience, the groundwater level can fluctuate. Furthermore, many older structures don’t have an air barrier between the concrete and the ground, which could lead to more water leaking into the basement because of the high levels of groundwater.
Humidity
The basement is typically the most humid place in the home. It’s also significantly cooler than the rest of the home, which allows for the moisture to evaporate. Rainfall soaks the soil in the area around the basement, raising the humidity and making the area appear damp. The humidity can seep to the foundation through fissures and cracks which could result in warping and decay on laminate flooring.
Below-Grade Flooring
Basements are prone to flooding due to a variety of reasons. This means that the flooring in your basement must be sturdy enough to stand up to this flooding. This can be caused by excessive rainfall or leaky pipes, However, the impact on laminate flooring could be negative. Flooding may also occur due to malfunctioning appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters that many homeowners put in their basement.
how to install laminate flooring on concrete basement floor
Laminate Flooring Installation In Basements
Select The Correct Materials
To ensure that laminate flooring is long-lasting and is suitable for your basement there are certain steps you must be aware of.
There are a variety of kinds and grades of laminate flooring, and it is important to be selected. Although laminate flooring comes with an impervious surface for decoration and backing, it is composed of wood and fibreboard particles. When the backing comes into contact with moisture, the floorboards may rot and warp from below. Mildew and mold growth can additionally be aggravated. To avoid the problems it is essential to select the correct kind of laminate. There are new varieties made with a strong plastic core that is impervious to water, which makes it perfect for basements.
Making The Floor
If you are installing laminate floors in your basement it is essential to prepare it so that installation can go without a hitch. Certain steps, such as cleaning downspouts and gutters are crucial to decrease humidity. Additionally, make sure that the drains and surfaces aren’t exposed to rainwater that is direct. Prior to construction, humidity must be measured using a moisture gauge and brought to a level that is controlled so that the boards don’t shrink or expand too much.
Tips For Laminate Flooring Installation In Basements
- It is important to determine the condition of the basement flooring. needs to be thoroughly examined. Find and seal any cracks, fissures, and slopes prior to installing your laminate. Make sure you control the level of moisture prior to beginning.
- An assessment of moisture can be conducted by firmly securing plastic to the concrete slab and then examining it after a few days. Droplets of water will accumulate on it when there is a lot of humidity. The best method to make sure that laminate flooring is protected from the effects of moisture in the concrete is to seal the subfloor.
- If you’re sure that the moisture content of the subfloor is in check If you are satisfied, you can put in an underlayment to safeguard the laminate and also to reduce the sound.
- While the floorboards are being put in place, ensure that sufficient expansion space is left to ensure there’s no gapping or peaking. As with hardwood, laminate tends to shrink and expand in response to temperature and humidity levels.
- In the event that you’ve got a subfloor made of concrete, it must be laid and set for at least 60 days before the laminate is laid. The reason is that modern concrete has a greater moisture content than older concrete. Concrete is also constantly losing moisture that can impact the installation of laminate. Additionally, a constant temperature and humidity must remain in the basement. The temperature should be between 60deg F up to 75 deg F and humidity should be 35 percent to 50 percent.
- A barrier against moisture is essential when installing the flooring you want to laminate in your basement. Don’t compromise on the quality when you choose to purchase low-quality materials, as this could affect your flooring’s life duration.
- Take precise measurements of the basement to ensure that the flooring is a perfect fit. Make sure the installation is professionally completed to ensure floorboards are cut exactly every corner. Your contractors will have the equipment to cut floorboards and ensure that they are properly shaped.
- Safety gear such as goggles, face masks, and gloves must be worn when installation of laminate flooring. Based on the method of installation they serve as a safeguard against dangerous fumes and splinters which are common with laminate flooring and other similar materials.
Basements, mudrooms, and other areas of your home where humidity is fluctuating need to be given special consideration. If you’re thinking about laminate flooring or other similar products, you can find plenty of stores that you can explore in Toronto. Laminate flooring is a well-known option for basements and if you keep track of the criteria and factors mentioned above, it’s likely to perform perfectly for your home.
