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Community and Q&A

Safe flooring option for basement playroom with uneven floor.

GBA Editor | Posted in Green Products and Materials on

We had some water damage in our basement recently and I do not want to replace it with carpet due to the fact that the area is the children playroom. The research I have done so far – I see options as: cork, marmoleum, Flor carpet tiles, natural rubber. I don’t want to pay a ton of money – but I want it to be a healthy environment. A major consideration is that the floor is not even – since it angles down to an emergency drain that is about 2 feet from one of the walls (we moved in last year – and when there was a major rain storm with frozen ground outside in Feb – water seaped in and went towards that drain). So I am not sure if this is recurring – we may have to wait for another year to see what happens next winter. In light of this – I would appreciate some recommendatons
Thank you

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Replies

  1. Riversong | | #1

    The only reliable solution is to prevent future water infiltration. This may require gutters and long leaders, grading, or trenching around the foundation to install perimeter drains (either to daylight or to a sump pump) and waterproofing (not tar).

    Any flooring other than concrete is going to be vulnerable to moisture, including all natural materials such as cork or Marmoleum. Marmoleum will delaminate in standing water.

    There are alternative methods to water-proofing a basement that don't require excavation, but make sure you find a reliable contractor with a proven track record.

  2. Sharon | | #2

    I was afraid of that answer. The house was built in early 80's - not sure if this is recurring since we moved in only last fall. I will look into a good contractor here in Ottawa

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