Laminate Flooring For Basements

Now, it’s worth noting that laminate flooring has quickly managed to become one of the most preferred options all across the world. Even though they’ve only been around since the early 80s, laminate flooring has most certainly peaked in usability. Its nature makes it usable in almost all sorts of settings and environments, and that’s why the majority of people prefer it. Furthermore, it’s inexpensive, and yet it manages to bring the same appeal as a hardwood floor.

When it comes to using laminate flooring for basement settings, there are, however, quite a few things that have to be taken into thorough consideration. When choosing a floor for your basement take into consideration that there is always the risk of exposure to cold and exposure to moisture.

Below Ground Level Concerns

One of the primary concerns that you would have to account for is the groundwater. This is mainly due to the fact that your basement is usually going to consist of a concrete slab which usually acts as the foundation of the entire building. This particular slab is going to be surrounded by earth which contains different amounts of water. The amount is variable based on the geographical location, humidity, and rainfall in the area.

Furthermore, you have to keep in mind that in older buildings there probably isn’t a vapour barrier and this is going to allow the moisture to surface on the floor. Once moisture starts stacking beneath the laminated flooring, this is going to cause colossal damages, and you would eventually have to get rid of it and re-install a new solution. However, there are things that you can do about it.

Precautions That You Can Consider

Right off the bat, you have to know that the majority of the traditional laminates flooring solutions are going to be made with a waterproof surface layer, decorative layer and a backing made out of fibreboard. This particular backing is what’s going to cause the problems. It’s very susceptible to moisture, and it can twist, rot and warp upon coming in contact with water. Furthermore, it’s quite possible that mould, as well as mildew will start to grow.

This is why it is highly advisable for you to select laminate which is made out of a solid plastic core. This way, you can be sure that this is going to nestle the decorative sheet which is located between the waterproof layer and the particularly impervious plastic backing in order to create tiles which are going to be fully resistant to all sorts of moisture penetration.

As you can see, laminate flooring can be the perfect solution for your basement as it’s going to create a warmer and cosier appeal. However, you would have to take the above facts into consideration prior to making the purchase. It’s best if you trust a professional service such as The Floor Shop to evaluate the overall basement condition and to provide you with a choice that is perfectly suitable for you. Laminate flooring is surely a convenient choice.