Coastal Living - How To Cure Basement Moisture

Coatsal homes are expensive. Square footage is at a premium. Many new coastal homes are on small lots and new homes have size restrictions so usable space is valuable.

Sub grade space and basements become a valuable area for additional bedrooms, game rooms and home entertainment systems.

Moisture is always an issue. Moisture can seep through the concrete floors and foundation walls. As we all know moisture makes it cold, damp and unpleasant. Mold is created resulting in poor and unhealthy air quality.

A highly effective solution to cure moisture is application of specialty epoxy waterproofers. As long as the floors and walls are clean and dry the epoxy can be rolled on. The epoxy is a two part system. Part A is mixed with part B and rolled on with 1/4 to 3/8 inch nap roller. It will stop tons of water pressure pushing through floors and foundation walls.

Most floor coatings are at risk of delamination when moisture pressure exceeds 3 lbs of pressure per 1000 square feet. The appropriate epoxy waterproofer will prevent moisture from wicking through the concrete in excess of 25 lbs per 1000 square feet and I've heard reports of up to 40 lbs.

Pricing for a high quality epoxy waterproofer runs approximately $.75 to $1.00 per square foot depending upon the courseness of the concrete. An inexpensive investment relative to the return in value.

Once the moisture is under control the best flooring solution is a concrete skim coat with an area rug. The area rugs will add warmth to the floor and can be sent out for cleaning or replaced. They're not a big expense.

5 Tile Floor Tips For Your Basement

Refinishing or refurbishing your basement is a big job that can be costly and challenging. But gaining the added living space is often valuable enough to warrant the effort. One of the most important parts of redoing your basement is the floor. Whether you are working with a concrete or wooden floor, you may want to consider another type of flooring that will prove more durable and easy to clean. When you are giving thought to which choice will work best for your home, consider the following information with respect to a file floor for your basement.

1. A tile floor is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of flooring. Depending on the grade and style you buy, you might be able to get the peel-and-stick brand that you can lay down yourself instead of hiring it done. This will suit not only your wallet but your schedule, since it can be done in stages, as you have the time, and perhaps with the help of a friend or family member. Of course, you can get the more costly styles, and pay more, for a richer or more polished look, depending on your plans for the basement's use.

2. Tile is replaceable, so if one or more pieces should get stained, chipped, or torn, you can take them up and lay down new ones at your convenience. Instead of waiting for a service call from someone who only works weekends for double-time pay, you can do it yourself in time for the next party or family get-together.

3. Tile flooring is easy to clean. You don't have to worry as much about spilled beverages, pet accidents, or muddy shoes tracking through. Just fill a bucket with hot water and mild detergent, or whatever the tile manufacturer's directions suggest, and mop up dirt, dust, and debris in a few minutes' time.

4. Tile is easily changed. If you get tired of the design and want to change it, or decide to put down carpet when you get an unexpected monetary windfall, you can make the switch fairly quickly and easily. Some people decide to lay carpet on top of the tile, which makes it easier than taking up the old and putting down the new floor covering.

5. Tile patterns are versatile. You can choose a basic monotone color to blend in with neutral surroundings. Or buy a contemporary design to turn your basement into a family recreation room. A more sedate, intricate pattern provides a nice floor covering for a room that will become your den or a spare bedroom. Throw down a few accent rugs (the non-skid variety) and enjoy the brand new look.

Floor tile can take a pretty rough beating from shoe scuffs, equipment scrapes, and running back and forth, if you have kids. With many attractive patterns to choose from, you can dress up your basement in whatever décor you like, and then let the games begin!

Tile & Basement Finishing - The Weakest Link

Here's another tip that's not just for that basement finishing project you're considering, but for any type of tile project that you may have coming up.

Remember that obnoxious game show, "The Weakest Link?" The name of the show alluded to the colloquial reference that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Put enough pressure on the chain, and the chain will break -- always at the weakest link in the chain.

When it comes to tile and the potential for stressful water prevention problems, the weakest link is any corner.

The potential for disaster becomes even worse in a basement finishing scenario. Basements are already cool, dark, and damp; this is Mecca for mold-related issues.

And most basements will have a shower with at least one, if not two, corners. The corners where tile from two different walls come together is usually simply grouted. In some cases, the grout may have a thin layer of silicone caulk smeared over the top. Either situation is potentially problematic.

First, grout does not hold up well in corners. It cracks and rapidly deteriorates with the gentle expansion and contraction that a corner experiences. Additionally, a thin layer of silicone over the top of cracking grout won't last long. Finally, silicone should ideally have a better surface to bind to as it cures so it will last longer.

You'll want to make sure that your tile is done differently. Do not allow your basement finishing contractor to grout those corners. Or, if you're planning to do the tile project yourself, make sure YOU don't grout those corners. Instead, make sure to caulk the corners with an elastomeric caulk that is matched to the color of your grout.

You'll love this solution to this problem for a number of reasons. First, because the caulk is matched to the color of your grout it makes for a seamless transition from one wall to the next; just as good as grout. Second, because there is no grout underneath it the caulk has a great surface to bind to as it cures, which helps ensure a strong impenetrable corner. Finally, because the caulk is elastomeric it will flex and contract with the subtle movement of the wall without cracking.

Not only should you or your basement finishing contractor use it in corners, but it should be used to caulk other transitions too. Some examples include tile to tub transitions, tile to sink transitions, tile to hardwood transitions, tile to drywall transitions, etc.

The little links in your tile project and basement finishing chain will go a long way in making your project a huge success.