3 Tips for Finishing a Wet Basement
We talk a lot about all of the prime real estate under your home that’s just waiting to be finished and turned into the extra living space of your dreams. But if it’s less rec room and more wet wreck, you might not think finishing is an option for you. You’re wrong, though - even a basement with water problems can be finished if you keep these three things in mind.
Waterproof It
This one should be obvious - the first step in finishing a wet basement is to find a way to mitigate and eliminate the water. This might involve the installation of a full perimeter system if the water issues are widespread, or could be as simple as replacing a poorly installed, leaking window with a water-tight egress window that has the added benefit of bringing in more light and making your future living space code compliant.
Go Inorganic
Once you’re waterproofed, you should still use finishing's that aren’t susceptible to water damage. Carpet and the wood paneling of the past are just begging to grow mold and mildew. We offer inorganic and waterproof Flooring, wall panels, and insulation. Our flooring (everything from wood look plank to parquet to carpet) can give you any look you want without the risk of harboring mold and costing you money to replace down the line. Bonus: many of our flooring options feature a patented thermal deck that keeps the floors - and your feet - warmer than the cold concrete below.
Control Humidity
Even the most aggressive, encompassing waterproofing system might not be able to control every drop of water in your basement. That’s because one of the biggest causes of moisture is simple humidity. Miniscule amounts of water can leak through the concrete walls and floor (this is called hydrostatic pressure) and simply hang in the air. While it isn’t enough water to form puddles, this ambient moisture can still allow for mold growth and generally make the basement uncomfortable. That’s why you need a dehumidifier - like our SaniDry line - to keep the humidity level low and your new living space comfortable and safe.
Even if you have water - even if it’s a lot of water - you can still have a beautiful finished basement and the extra living space you and your family need and deserve.
