Myths About Concrete Basement Floor
Why do so many homeowners hide one of the most valuable treasures in their basement—the concrete floor? Why do they believe that burying the concrete behind carpeting or other floor coverings is the greatest approach to maximize value and resale potential?
It’s time to set these homeowners straight and dispel some of the frequent misconceptions regarding the supposed drawbacks of concrete floors. Indeed, presuming the basement and floor are technically sound, enhancing the concrete rather than covering it up is quickly becoming the gold standard in basement floor solutions, with benefits that go far beyond looks.
Myth #1: Cold and wet concrete flooring
According to Jerry Kline and Don Henson of Kline Construction, Elgin, Ill., a firm that specializes in stamping, staining, and overlaying of both interior and exterior concrete slabs, “this is rarely true in properly constructed newer homes because they are better insulated than older homes and today’s building codes typically require installation of a vapor barrier under the slab to block moisture migration.” Decorative concrete interior floors are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in affluent homes.
Before pouring the slab, homeowners can add in-floor radiant heat to make concrete floors warmer underfoot in the cold. Basements are a common location for installing these systems, which circulate hot water through polyethylene tubing. Some systems may also be retrofitted into existing basements by using a self-leveling overlay over the tubing.
Myth #2: Concrete cracks are unavoidable, and it is preferable to conceal them than live with them.
“Not so,” Henson says, “unless the fractures are severe and caused by structural difficulties.” In fact, many Kline Construction clients like the rustic, broken aesthetic that can be obtained by dyeing the floor and leaving little random cracks exposed.
If the fissures are an eyesore, a polymer-modified cement-based overlay is a simple way to hide them and may take a variety of creative treatments like staining, stamping, and stenciling.
Myth #3: Carpeting appears to be warmer and more inviting than concrete.
There is also no risk of chemical emissions with ornamental concrete, as there is with new carpeting. These pollutants can be especially dangerous in poorly ventilated subterranean rooms. Carpets are also a haven for dust mites and other allergies.
Because of the possibility of moisture and humidity, hardwood flooring is not a feasible covering for most basement slabs. Simply add an overlay to the concrete floor and stamp it with a wood-grain design to solve the problem.
Myth #4: Decorative concrete floors are dangerously slippery.
A beautiful concrete floor is usually no more slippery than vinyl or ceramic tile. The use of a high-gloss sealer to protect and improve ornamental concrete may impair traction slightly, but this is readily corrected by including a nonslip ingredient into the stain or sealer before application.
All of these floor coatings add beauty and uniqueness while preserving concrete’s most valued characteristics: economy, longevity, and practicality. However, if the basement has insufficient ventilation, avoid using solvent-based products, which might create harmful vapors. Many water-based, solvent-free concrete stains, dyes, paints, sealers, and epoxies are available. Call RLM Retrofit Foundation for a basement Foundation Inspection Playa Del Rey.
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