Design Tips to Protect Your Basement Floor Against Water Damage

3/31/2018 (Permalink)

Epoxy flooring is ideal for basements. Not only can it be beautiful, it is naturally water-proof.

Finding a home with a basement here in Oregon is almost as rare as seeing Sasquatch. When we do find a basement, our excitement is hard to contain as the possibilities are endless! This extra square footage could be ideal for storage, a guest bedroom, a playroom for the kids/grandkids, a den, a room for entertaining…..the list goes on and on.  But before we make any final decisions on what to do with this extra space, we must keep one thing in mind: basements are rare here because our ground gets very wet.  Wet ground can lead to water leaking into you home.  While there are steps you can take to help prevent water from gaining access to your basement, there are also a few simple flooring ideas that can help minimize damage IF water ever did get into your home.

AVOID CARPETING  It may seem appealing to have a softer floor covering if you plan to turn this space into a cozy room for relaxing, or a playroom for children.  But, unfortunately, carpeting and its padding soak up any moisture that may come into your home, and can become a breeding ground for mold.

Epoxy Coating a concrete basement subfloor with epoxy will make it waterproof and durable. Available in a variety of colors, epoxies can easily be applied over a weekend.

Concrete stain Stain can dress up concrete floors with very little cost an effort. Unlike some other types of concrete coatings, stain is resistant to chipping or flaking.  Stains also come in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to match your décor.

Ceramic Tile Affordable and timeless, ceramic tile can easily be applied directly over a concrete slab.  Tile is also resistant to water and humidity, making it a good choice for basement flooring.

Painted Concrete  Paint is easy  and the least expensive solution.  Do your research, and be sure to get a latex based paint that is resistant to humidity and cooler temperatures.  Use a roller to apply at least 2 coats directly to the floor.  You may have to touch up the floor every few years.

You can always accessorize for comfort by using area rugs.  These not only look nice, but can easily be replaced if any water damage does occur.  If you ever do find yourself with water damage in your basement, do not hesitate to call your Water Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO. We are on-call 24/7 and ready to help you get back to enjoying your basement.