How to Remodel a Dirt Basement Floor

A lot of older homes were made with a bare dirt basement floor. Such basements were considered to be unused spaces but these days, a lot of people who own classic and historical houses look for methods that will maximize the use of every available space within the house. Hence if they do a home improvement on their properties, the construction almost always include remodeling dirt floors on the basement, so that the area could be used as an extra living space.

Step 1 – Installing Vapor Barrier

To keep your basement floor from being invaded by insects and moisture, a vapor barrier must be installed. It is a material that is usually made from foil or plastic sheet that is resistant to the diffusion of moisture through walls and floor structures. Thus you will not compromise the foundation of your home or create more humidity on your basement. Too much moisture and humidity can go through the subflooring of the main level of your house, causing damage to the wood. Your basement can also turn into a breeding ground for insects, molds and mildew.

Step 2 – Increasing the Effectiveness of your Vapor Barrier

To make your vapor barrier more effective, look for moisture problems that can be seen and correct them as soon as you can. To identify potential sources of moisture on your sewer and pipe lines, have your basement inspected by a building inspector. Look for improperly installed drainage and inspect the ground slope on the outside of your house. Water should be flowing away from your house to keep water and moisture from turning your home into a collection ground.

Step 3 – Pouring Concrete

To have a permanent and low cost covering for the dirt floor of your basement, you should pour a concrete floor. The material is very effective in sealing out dust and moisture, and it will keep pests and insects away from the dirt. Correctly installed, concrete flooring can last more than a hundred years. You will have to mix the cement and aggregates on open ground so a wheelbarrow is needed in transferring the concrete into the basement. You can also make use of a concrete feed that can be fed through the basement window. A lot of the existing basements have floorings that are made from concrete.

If your intention in finishing the flooring in your basement is to use the area as a living space, check on the building codes in your locality for the required height of the ceiling. You may have to remove some of the dirt on the basement floor in order to meet the requirements for ceiling height and to have the proper thickness of the concrete poured on the floor.

Step 4 – Finishing the Floor

Various finishes are available for concrete floors including paint, sealant, stain and tiles. For a strong and long-term finish, tiles are better. As compared to linoleum, wood or laminate flooring, porcelain or ceramic tiles can survive flooding and can last for several years without losing their nice appearance.