Building a basement floor


  #1  
Old 11-29-05, 08:13 PM
Eric W.
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Building a basement floor

I am looking to install a carpet in my basement. The previous carpet, which was laid directly on the slab was cold to the touch during the summer months. I would like to keep the carpet and room to be warmer as it will be a playroom for my kids. I also want something that is softer to your feet than a carpet on a concrete slab.

I think I want to put down some frame work and a subfloor. Because of height issues, I was hoping to keep this as short as possible. Do I have to use 2x4s or can I use something a little thinner? What about the plywood thickness?

The basement had a water problem in the past, which I hope I have corrected (regrading, swale and other things outside, hydraulic cement, Dryloc and vapor barrier inside. No sign of water even after torrential rains (house located in Northern NJ).

The floor appears level and has no cracks. It has been covered in Dryloc. Should I put a vapor barrier down? Won't that trap moisture (if it comes back) and cause mold?

What about Dri-Core and similar products? Overall, they seem a little expensive to me and I am trying to save some money.
 
  #2  
Old 11-30-05, 06:19 AM
T
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Apparently, I am the poster boy for Dricore. I've recently installed 200 panels in my basement. Do a search and you should find several previous threads about using it.

In general, you will find that everyone who has used it loves it. It IS easy to install and cut (I recommend a table saw - although it does create a fine dust) and is only 7/8" thick. I find that the temperature of the (currently) unfinished, uninsulated basement is within 2-3 degrees of the upstairs. And it FEELS like a floor.

If you plan to put in SOMETHING anyway, then the cost of the dricore over the cost of SOMETHING is pretty small.

Feel free to PM.

Good luck,
Tom
 
  #3  
Old 11-30-05, 12:00 PM
Eric W.
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Thanks for your reply. I'm not worried about a little dust. More concerned about long term durability, possible mold issues, etc.

Other than laying the Dricore did you have to do anything else, in terms of a vapor barrier or insulation?

Does it secure to the floor some how or just float?

How long did it take you to install?

How does it feel when you walk on it or sit on the floor?

Finally, did you get it at Home Depot or some where else? Do you know if you can get any kind of discount for large orders? (I have 450-800 sq. ft. depending on which rooms I want to do.)

I appreciate your help with respect to these questions. You can PM me here or email me at eric.weiss@selective.com.

Eric
 
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Old 11-30-05, 12:04 PM
E
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Eric,
Do you have a cold air return in your basement?
Is the basement insulated?
 
  #5  
Old 11-30-05, 02:19 PM
Eric W.
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Yes I have a cold air return and it is in that room. Even though, there was some mold behind the walls when I tore them down.

On two exterior walls I have added one inch foam insulation boards against the walls below grade (seperated by a vapor barrier). Above grade there is insulation (fiberglass batts, but probably less than R-11 as the house was build 30 years ago). I could add batts to the framing of the half wall (bottom) I am building on these two walls. Would you recommend it?

The third wall has fiberglass insulation and appears to go from floor to ceiling.(I assume batts, but just don't know as I haven't opened the wall yet.

The forth wall is an interior wall.
 
  #6  
Old 12-01-05, 04:39 AM
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The mold grew there as a result of a lack of or improper vapour barrier. Warm moist air somehow got behind the insulation. It is crucial to have a proper vapour barrier and seal all holes. The vapour barrier is always on the warm side of the room.

The amount of insulation you require depends mostly on your climate and frost line. My frost line is 42" and the building code in my area states a minimum of R-13 in a basement.

To go back to your original question about Dricore. If your insulation is sufficient and you have a cold air return, then the next thing would be to install a subfloor. Dri-core is so much easier then laying 2x4 with insulation etc.

You might save a little bit of money by purchasing the rolls of "dimpled plastic" used with Dricore and then purchase 4x8 sheets of OSB.
 
 

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