Primarily plastic is installed in crawl spaces to residential buildings to create a barrier against moisture or vapor.
Plastic under carpet in basement.
It can also help create a more suitable storage space for homeowners.
Vinyl planks require hard thin underlay because the product itself is softer.
This is a fancy durable moisture proof and informal floor that makes good sense for basements especially.
10 reasons vinyl flooring is the best for concrete slab basements you ve decided to give your basement a makeover and you need to find a cheap and waterproof alternative to your boring cold concrete floor.
For the best appearance and a warmer finished floor this flooring should be installed over a subfloor.
Can t decide on flooring.
Don t install vinyl basement flooring under cabinets which inhibits the floating floor s ability to move.
Engineered wood flooring 4 7 sq.
Putting a soft product under vinyl plank will result in an unstable floor that is much more inclined to being damaged and even punctured or torn over time.
Required tools for this how to carpet a basement floor project.
Where vertical door frame molding casing touches the floor trim a bit of the molding away with an undercut saw or jamb saw so you can tuck the flooring under the trim hiding the expansion gap at the wall.
Also be sure your basement floor is level.
Sheet vinyl has another limitation as well.
Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and.
A much better approach is a true vapor barrier with characteristics that conform to the requirements of astm e 1745 standard specification for water vapor retarders used in contact with soil or granular fill under concrete slabs.
This approach helps minimize the risk of mold or mildew intrusion into the home.
Consider installing an under floor heating system for optimal warmth as you walk.
Always install basement carpet on top of a vapor impervious subfloor this will raise the temperature of the floor in winter make your carpet more pleasant to walk on and most importantly prevent humid air from cozying up to the concrete and triggering mold growth.
Thin plastic like this is often called a vapor retarder meaning it slows the vapor down but doesn t stop it.
For a cheap solution to create a finished look you can use vinyl.
For dry climates with low humidity you can also try carpet.
Best vinyl flooring for basement.
Finally note that these options will raise your floor by 1 1 4 to 1 1 2 in so make sure this added height won t create problems.
Radiant heating systems cost 1 800 to 5 800.
Vinyl planks can withstand damp concrete basement floors and look gorgeous at the same time.
Roughness or irregularities in the basement s concrete floor are likely to show through in the vinyl floor.