Perfect Basement Subfloor
Is Your Downstairs In Need of Renovation?
Is a basement subfloor in your financial budget? It goes without saying that a complete remodeling of your basement can cost a ton of money. This is cash money many people may not have planned for in this current economic environment. For people who have lost a lot of money in the stock market or just can’t find the same well-paying job as before, getting a remodeling project completed requires a lot more finesse than normal. One way to save some money on this type of otherwise expensive project is to install a basement subfloor system; which is something most homeowners can purchase and install themselves.
Plainly put, a basement subfloor is just a way of replacing the current floor with another layer. In many scenarios, this means taking a hard layer concrete floor, and converting it into a much softer floor so that children can play on it without endangering themselves and so that it is not as uncomfortable to others. That being said, there are three major issues to consider.
Your Subfloor Must Be Watertight
The key to a successful install is a watertight installation. The best basement subfloor installations include a waterproof membrane. Such terminology has the potential to throw many homeowners into a mental tizzy, but there is no cause to be dismayed. You can actually finish such an install as a DIY project as long as you completely read and observe the manufacturer’s instructions. You can begin by looking at these manufacturers:
- Schluter Ditra underlayment system
- Cosella-Dorken DELTA-FL Plastic Sub-Floor
- CertainTeed Platon Plastic Sub-Floor for Concrete
One system that we really like is the Amdry Insulated Subfloor system. It comes complete with a built in waterproof membrane system that works like a charm. Moreover, you don’t have to be a carpenter or a professional floor installer to get this install done right.
I cannot stress this point enough; when it comes to basement flooring, you MUST have the right system in place to protect your flooring from moisture, mildew and mold. The second issue concerns safety.
Play And Fun In the Basement
For small children, having a basement with cement flooring cannot be that much fun; as a matter of fact it can be downright dangerous. Even though most children will play on these hard, typically cold floors, and have a blast, you need to be aware that cement and/or concrete floors can lead to injuries, oftentimes, serious injuries. You know how hard boys play? For boys engaging in rough play, as we call it, “horsing around” hard floors are especially disastrous.
And what about infants? Unfortunately, when most homeowners build out their basements, they rarely take infants into consideration. Do you realize how many infants are injured every year after falling on hard concrete floors? And we are not talking about falling from cribs, beds or sofas, [although, these accidents are not excluded] we are talking about babies sitting on concrete floors and falling over. These are injuries that could have been avoided with the proper sub flooring, carpet or soft tiles.
Hence, it is a good idea to consider sub flooring options that provide you with a soft floor, and that comes with heating options. With today’s improved technology, the electric bill for heated flooring will range from ten cents to thirty cents a day. Keep in mind, you will only be using that option during the frigid months.
The final issue is, “Costs.” If you are wondering or worrying what a basement subfloor will cost, don’t worry; almost all of the systems we mentioned will fit into any budget.