Sealing Basement Floors - Comments
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basement floor has been lightly painted years ago. Inspector when we moved in said it had water underneath. We have used a dehumifier and get lots of water. We put in heat. How can we seal the floor?
at October 27, 2007 05:45 PM
Posted by: Anonymous at October 27, 2007 05:45 PMIf you are getting that much water from the air, and the concrete is showing evidence of water, you may need to do more than seal the floor. You may need to look into a sump pump or French drain to remove water from the area.
Once you have the water problem fixed you can seal the floor using any number of available products.
The Flooring Lady at October 27, 2007 08:19 PM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at October 27, 2007 08:19 PMI have a new concrete patio. it is a fully covered patio that should not get wet. it is about 15x26 in size. The problem that I am having is that I am finding myeslf going out onto this patio with my socks on to bbq and find my socks soaking wet.... I kept thinking "how can this be, it's covered!" Is it possible that this slap is wicking up water throug it from underneath? How do I put a stop this? thank you
Tobey Vos at January 8, 2008 12:17 AM
Posted by: Tobey Vos at January 8, 2008 12:17 AMYou didn't mention what the weather was when your socks were getting soaking wet. Yes, concrete can absorb ground water and get damp, or even wet. But even covered patios can get wet when it rains, if there is any wind (I speak from experience).
Options I see you have include: * retrofitting a French Drain around the edge of the patio -- expensive * install a "flooring" on top of the concrete that will keep you away from the damp concrete but will let the moisture evaporate so it won't cause mold -- the flooring could be a lattice, raised teak, or some outdoor-proof wood * lay Raven Industries vapor barrier on the concrete and install brick or stone for a new floor look * don't wear your socks outside -- either take them off or put shoes on ;~> Just kidding; you really want to use the patio any time and with any footwear.
Let us know what you did.
The Flooring Lady at January 8, 2008 08:29 AM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at January 8, 2008 08:29 AMI found a good site for helping correct basement water issues. It helps you figure out what is causing the problem and gives good advice on how you can fix it http://www.b-dry.com/wet-basement-analyzer.html
Bob at January 25, 2008 03:20 AM
Posted by: Bob at January 25, 2008 03:20 AMI have a concrete basement floor that had been tiled, the tiles were glued down. We're removing the tiles and planning on installing carpet. I was thinking of sealing the concrete first. I have already cleaned the floor with heavy-duty cleaner, but the glue is still there. My question is, can I apply a sealer over the glue, or do I have to somehow figure out how to remove the glue before sealing the floor? Thanks!
Becky at February 21, 2008 01:41 PM
Posted by: Becky at February 21, 2008 01:41 PMMy thought is that sealing the glue just adheres it one more time/way to the concrete. That doesn't seem like such a big deal to me. The reaction I have though is that your carpet is going to be lumpy. Does that matter to you?
And why are you sealing the concrete -- is it for moisture proofing the space?
The Flooring Lady at February 21, 2008 04:00 PM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at February 21, 2008 04:00 PMThank you for your reply. I don't think the carpet will be lumpy because the glue is pretty thin, and we are putting down a high end pad. I want to seal the floor because I noticed a very slight musty odor that I believe is coming from the floor. It is barely detectable. I did a moisture test (with saran wrap and tape) and no condensation appeared, so I don't think I have a serious moisture problem. I just want to be sure the floor is sealed so we don't develop problems with the carpet in the future. So do you think it is ok to go ahead an apply the sealant over the glue? Is there a brand you recommend?
becky at February 22, 2008 10:33 AM
Posted by: becky at February 22, 2008 10:33 AMGlad to hear you're putting quality padding down. That will help the life of the carpet.
That musty odor is indeed telling you something about the humidity in the basement. In addition to sealing the floor you may want a de-humidifier so you don't have poor air quality or mold.
Why don't you visit my article on vapor barrier paint to see if you get ideas for your floor sealing. And yes, I think it'll be fine. At least I don't see any reason to not seal over the glue with what I know today.
The Flooring Lady at February 22, 2008 10:39 AM
Posted by: The Flooring Lady at February 22, 2008 10:39 AM
I am going to be putting a ceramic tile floor in our basement in front or our french doors. The rest of the floor will be carpeted. Do I need to put something under the tile or can it go directly on the cement? Also, if I do this now (upstate NY~cold) will it adhere properly?
Sue at February 22, 2008 11:33 AM
Posted by: Sue at February 22, 2008 11:33 AM(Read the article that everyone's commenting on.)
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