Seal concrete to waterproof basement floor

In the article, the reader from Surrey, asks the question if he can build a wooden floor over top of the existing concrete where he is concerned with many areas of bubbling white powder? The reader wants to turn the basement in a 20-year-old house into a playroom.

Shel Busey writes that this was a sign of moisture coming through the concrete. He recommends removing the existing paint on the basement floor, using a heat gun and scraping.  Busey writes that Basement Systems Vancouver specializes in waterproofing basements, and has a basement floor solution for such a situation.

Basement Systems Vancouver carries ThermalDry Basement Floor Matting that creates a thermal break on the basement floor, and is mold and water resistant.

A basement floor covering needs to be moisture and are mold resistant. Even if you don't have a basement water problem, moisture can still make its way into your living space. Concrete is naturally porous and the earth below and around your home contains moisture. In some newer homes, conscientious builders are beginning to install plastic vapor barriers beneath the concrete basement floor of a house to help prevent moisture from rising through the porous concrete basement floor. Unfortunately, these installations are new and still very rare, making it unlikely that you have one.

As moisture passes through a concrete slab, it evaporates immediately, so your basement floor is not likely to appear wet even if moisture is coming through. If you lay carpet or wooden floor panels down on your basement floor, moisture will seep through and into the wood or carpeting. The organic material of wood or carpet, combined with the moisture and warmth of the house, creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold.

The original article appeared in the Province news in British Columbia, bylined by Shel Busey.

Watch the video of Shel Busey reviewing Basement Systems products.