It's the worst feeling when you walk onto an unexpectedly damp floor.

If the damp floor isn't caused by seeping water (which can be resolved with a basement waterproofing system), then it may be due to simply having concrete floors. Even after installing a full-perimeter waterproof system, the porous concrete flooring of your basement still releases water vapor.

This makes it important to choose your basement flooring wisely. 

Wait a second! I have a sump pump. Can my floors still become damp?

Yes. To prevent damp flooring and a 'musty' smell in your basement over time, you will want to consider what kind of flooring you're using. 

If you have a waterproofing system in your basement, it may be confusing why this happens. A full-perimeter drainage system and sump pump, for example, will remove the water around the footing and basement, sending it away from the foundation and keeping the basement dry. However, the floors can still become damp over time due to a simple fact — the basement floors are probably made of concrete. 

Concrete is porous. Over time, water vapor passes through concrete. It's such a slow process that it rarely will ever form pools of water.

However, the water vapor can accumulate and may become trapped in any organic wood or carpet you install over it.

This can cause the musty smell that makes basements uncomfortable and unpleasant. 

Our Recommendation — ThermalDry

ThermalDry provides specialty basement flooring made of 100% inorganic material that will never warp or rot. 

ThermalDry Elite Plank Flooring

Real wood should never be installed on a basement floor, as it will absorb water vapor and swell — eventually getting moldy and rotted. Even a single plumbing leak can ruin a wooden floor in minutes. 

Our Elite Plank Flooring is the answer to these problems. It has no wood at all, while providing a luxurious wooden look and feel! Plus, this flooring can easily be removed, dried out, and reinstalled if there is ever a plumbing leak — no need for a replacement.

It's available in four beautiful finishes: Light Pecan, Walnut, Espresso, and Gray. 

ThermalDry Floor Matting

Looking to install a carpet, but still want the benefits of ThermalDry flooring? Our unfinished ThermalDry Floor matting panels provide air space under the floor and a thermal break from the cold slab. This creates a subfloor that will not rot, grow mold or be damaged from a leak. 

 

 

If these flooring options happen to catch your eye, we can help! Contact us today to set an appointment for your free estimate.