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If you have a basement, you probably understand that this can be one of the wettest areas of your home. Basements are often prone to water-related issues.The problem is that if you wish to finish your basement and use it as additional living space, you’ll need a way to prevent the damage water can cause. Of course, installing drainage systems is an excellent approach. However, it also helps to have waterproof materials in your basement that resist damage if your drainage system fails.
This article will focus on the top waterproof flooring options for basements. After we cover that, we’ll also share some of the best ways to prevent basement water and moisture in the first place.
Top Waterproof Flooring Choices
Plenty of flooring options are available to you, but not all are equally capable of resisting water damage. The sections below will introduce you to a few options known for being waterproof.
Ceramic Tile
Our first option for waterproof basement flooring is ceramic tile. Tile flooring comes in many different colors and textures and is one of the most elegant flooring materials you can choose. Unlike other flooring options, ceramic tile is not porous, allowing it to resist water damage. Tile is also incredibly durable, which enables it to serve you well for many years.
Still, there are some downsides to choosing tile flooring. For example, tile is quite cold and hard to the touch, so it is not always the most comfortable material to walk or sit on. Additionally, tile flooring can be expensive to install and repair. However, if you are looking for classy waterproof flooring, the pros of tile flooring likely outweigh the cons.
Sealed Concrete
Another time-tested flooring option for basements is concrete. Concrete may not be the most inviting option, but it is difficult to argue against its value as a highly waterproof material.
If you choose concrete flooring, it is essential to seal your concrete. Sealing protects the concrete and makes it more resistant to water damage. For instance, applying epoxy to your concrete can make it more attractive and durable.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is another fantastic waterproof material choice for flooring. This material comes in many different styles, many of which mimic the look and feel of natural materials such as stone or hardwood. Durability, longevity, and water resistance are all well-known features of vinyl flooring. The fact that this flooring is also relatively affordable makes it even more popular for many homeowners. When browsing this flooring option, you’ll find that it comes in both planks and tiles and enough color and texture options that you are sure to find something that suits your basement space.
Worst Flooring Options for Basements
The primary purpose of this article is to point out the best waterproof basement flooring options. However, it is essential to point out some of the flooring options you should avoid if you are worried about water damage in your basement. Below are a few flooring options that typically don’t work well in basements due to their lack of water resistance:
Carpet: Not only is carpet not water resistant, but it will absorb moisture and become a breeding ground for foul scents, mold, and mildew, which can affect your health.
Cork: This is another flooring material that absorbs moisture and will quickly become damaged if your basement experiences any flooding.
Hardwood: Although incredibly attractive, hardwood floors do not manage water well and will be pretty costly to replace if water gets into your basement.
The main characteristic to consider when choosing flooring for a basement is how much it absorbs moisture. While materials like vinyl and ceramic don’t absorb water at all, materials like cork and carpet invite moisture in, making them poor basement flooring options.
Full Basement Waterproofing
If you are worried about the damage water can cause to your basement flooring, the best approach is to prevent water from getting into your basement entirely. A complete basement waterproofing service is the most comprehensive way to achieve that goal.
Basement waterproofing involves many steps and features that create a seal between your basement and any outside water trying to get in. This service often includes the installation of a vapor barrier and other drainage systems. By sealing your basement and keeping moisture out, you’ll need to worry much less about water damage to your flooring.
Other Ways to Manage Basement Moisture
Basement waterproofing and selecting waterproof materials are not the only ways to manage moisture in your basement. There are many measures you can take to mitigate the harmful effects of humidity and standing water. Below are a few of the best and most common examples:
Gutter Cleaning: Keeping your gutters clean ensures they won’t overflow and cause water to pool near your foundation where it has a chance to seep inside.
Install Downspout Extensions: Downspout extensions ensure the water from your roof flows away from your foundation where it cannot seep inside.
Regrade Your Landscape: The ground around your home should slope away from your foundation to ensure that surface water flows away as well.
Dehumidification: Setting up a dehumidification system in your basement is one of the best ways to control the relative humidity and keep it at a suitable level.
Hire a Pro to Waterproof Your Basement
If you live in Eastern North Carolina and want help waterproofing your basement, Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair is ready to help you. Reach out today to learn more about what we offer and schedule a free estimate.
