Finishing basements

[sw686blue]

In the next few months, I will begin working on my basement. I had a question related to the subfloor.

Typically, I have seen subfloors made by laying felt paper, 2"x3" sleepers and plywood sheets. In fact, this is how my dad and I finished his basement as well as my brother's basement.

I was reading Mike Holme's book and he stated that he believes that it is better to simply drop down rigid foam insulation sheets and plywood on top of that. Then use tapcon screws to bolt the plywood to the concrete.

What are your opinions?

Thanks.
Nick

[Claude in Kitchener]

Mike Holmes should know what he is talking about but I would be afraid of the foam compressing a little and the floor feeling spongy. The benefit of his method would be improved insulation but that is usually not critical on the floor.

[sw686blue]

Mike Holmes should know what he is talking about but I would be afraid of the foam compressing a little and the floor feeling spongy. The benefit of his method would be improved insulation but that is usually not critical on the floor.

Those are my feelings too regarding foam compression. Also, does the foam allow moisture and air to circulate? I do not see how? At least with sleepers, you allow several passages for moisture to dry.

[thebigv]

I have not really seen sub floors added in basements. Usually in my experence the carpet and underlay is just placed on the concreate. If it is a newer construction this should be in good shape and level

[Claude in Kitchener]

Take a plastic garbage bag and put it on the floor with weights on the corners holding it down. Check under the bag every few days for moisture. If you get even a hint of moisture I would use a fairly new product which I think is called "Dry Core". It's two foot square panels of OSB with a rubber or plastic backing that has many bumps on it. It holds the OSB off the floor giving you an air space for moisture to condense in and then run to the low spot (ei:sump pump). You can then lay your flooring of choice on top of that. The down side is the insulation value is minimal.

[Don in Brooklin On]

Take a plastic garbage bag and put it on the floor with weights on the corners holding it down. Check under the bag every few days for moisture. If you get even a hint of moisture I would use a fairly new product which I think is called "Dry Core". It's two foot square panels of OSB with a rubber or plastic backing that has many bumps on it. It holds the OSB off the floor giving you an air space for moisture to condense in and then run to the low spot (ei:sump pump). You can then lay your flooring of choice on top of that. The down side is the insulation value is minimal.

When I did my basement floor I got the rolls of the plastic with the little bumps in it. We then put down 4 by 8 sheets of 5/8" plywood with tapcons. Went in fairly easily as our floor was quite flat. My builder told me that this was cheaper then using the 2x2 squares.

On top of that we put the foam insultation and click flooring. It is reasonably warm but not as good as floors on other floors.

[sw686blue]

Thanks for your input folks!

Nick