Looking to finish your basement? Not sure where to start? Ashley Fine Floors can help! Basement renovations are one of the most common areas of the home that owners choose to renovate when looking for ways to add value to their property. Choosing the best flooring can be tricky, but with some careful consideration, you'll be able to find the right foundation in no time. Check the key hazards you need to be aware of, as well as a few flooring recommendations below.
Basements are typically subject to a damper environment than rooms located above ground. They are also one of the most areas when it comes to climate related damages, particularly flooding. As a result, you'll want to choose flooring that is resistant to moisture, ideally with a vapour barrier or waterproof backing to prevent liquids from soaking in.
Much like their vulnerability to moisture, many basements are at risk for the development of mould and mildew, especially because they tend to be naturally cooler. Lower temperatures, less opportunity for circulating air, and oftentimes less foot traffic, mean that the wrong flooring can lead to a high risk of mould growth if there is an unseen spill or leak. Left undetected, this can have serious health implications for you and your family.
Tip: opt for a flooring choice that isn't glued down and that "floats" above a moisture barrier to give yourself an extra layer of protection.
With a general lack of natural sunlight available, basements tend to be cooler than other areas of the home year round. Seasonal temperature shifts can have a larger impact on your foundation as a whole. Choosing a flooring option that is flexible and isn't at risk of cracking or warping during temperature fluctuations is a wise investment.
For those working with a previously unfinished basement, there's a chance your foundation isn't entirely level. Any dips, cracks, or other structural challenges will need to be accounted for when selecting your flooring option to ensure that your installation lasts in the long-term.
At Ashely Fine Floors, we carry a wide selection of basement-friendly flooring options for you to choose from, all without sacrificing function or style. To learn what works best for your home, contact our team today!
If you're in the process of planning an upcoming basement renovation, you likely already know just how important it can be to select the right flooring materials for your space. Whether you're looking to expand your space for the family to relax in, or are looking to upgrade your basement into a secondary suite, choosing the best flooring for your space will help protect against premature wear, unnecessary repair costs, and more.
A common question the we encounter at Ashley Fine Floors is whether or not carpet is a wise investment for basement renovations. While there's no direct "yes" or "no" answer, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind if you're considering selecting carpet for your flooring. Read on to find out the best ways to incorporate carpet into your basement renovation.
As those of us in Alberta will know, the colder months often contribute to cooler areas in our homes, including our floors. Carpet can be a cost-effective, stylish, way to brighten up your area as well as increase insulation and retain warmth.
Basements can be tricky to outfit due to the fact that the natural lower temperature and more frequent presence of moisture can be harsh on floors. That doesn't mean you can't use carpets, but it does mean that you'll need to be a little more selective when choosing the type of carpeting you want to incorporate. It's also wise to keep in mind that you will probably need to swap out your flooring every 10 years or so to prevent moisture build up and carpet rot.
Low pile: Low pile carpeting is thinner than high-pile styles, meaning it takes less time to dry out if it is exposed to moisture.
Thinner padding: Less padding may seem unappealing since it means less built-in warmth, it also means there's less chance of the carpet sucking up and retaining liquid.
Opt for manmade: Organic materials such as wool are more susceptible to damage caused by becoming waterlogged. Carpets made out of nylon and polyester are better suited to repel liquids and to handle the more moist environments commonly found in basements.
Look for waterproof backings: certain types of carpets have special waterproof backings the prevent moisture from passing through, making them the perfect option for basement areas.
Watch where you install: Even if you've selected a carpet that can handle basement conditions, it's best to reserve it for specific areas that are less exposed to water on a regular basis. Laundry rooms, bathrooms and kitchens are best suited to another type of flooring like vinyl or linoleum.
Ready to get started on your next project? Contact the team at Ashley Fine Floors today!