subject: Some Tips to Insulate a Basement Floor [print this page] Some Tips to Insulate a Basement Floor Some Tips to Insulate a Basement Floor
Basement can add more value to your house. However, if it is not properly maintained from the mildew, moisture, and water, it can get easily damaged. One of the ways keep your basement from dirt is by insulating it. It means that you need to protect your basement from moisture. In addition, you also have to make sure that the floor doesn't lose heat.
The first thing you have to do is to lay the foundation before the flooring. It can be hardwood, carpet, or laminate. However, you have to make sure that the concrete is level. If you find it unleveled, you can add new cement. Unleveled foundation can cause your laminate or wood floor to crack and bow. In addition, you also have to make sure that there is 7 foot clearance the floor to the ceiling to meet the building codes. The finished result of your flooring will take about two inches. Therefore, you have to make a plan accordingly.
One of the insulation you can apply for your basement is polystyrene foam. It provides you optimal insulation for the floor of your basement. The first thing you have to do is to lay the foam with a 5/8-inch plywood for the top layer. Secure it with the Tapcon screws into the concrete. After it is secured, you can start to lay 1 or 2-inch thick of polystyrene foam. It is able to help you keep your basement from the moisture and keep it warmer.
Instead of polystyrene foam, you can also consider using interlocking waferboard which is attached to the dimpled plastic layer. It is able to stop the moisture and prevent the water from reaching the floor. This condition lets you lay flooring or carpet on the top.
Another alternative you can do to insulate your basement is laminate wood flooring with the built-in underlay. When you utilize the 6 mil polyurethane sheeting under the flooring, you have to overlap it by six inches, tape the seams, and caulk the polyurethane to subfloor. However, not all type of laminate flooring is suitable for basement use. You have to check it before buying.
