I recently bought a home in Philadelphia, and after some heavy rains, I found out that my finished basement wasn't actually waterproofed. I decided to install an interior drain and a sump pump, which worked out well, and I also got a commercial-grade dehumidifier. Now, I'm ready to refloor and rehang drywall, but I have a couple of specific questions about the concrete and flooring in this area.
1.) I removed some luxury vinyl plank flooring because the ground was wet underneath it. Can I keep the rest of the flooring down if it seems dry and unaffected? I want to save as much as I can since I'm already spending a lot on repairs.
2.) I'm not sure about the concrete down there. It seems textured, and some parts feel muddy. Is this like a drylok coating on a thin slab? Do I need to prepare the concrete before installing new flooring, or should I consider leveling it with concrete?
2 Answers
As a Philly electrician, I've worked on many old rowhome basements, which typically are pretty resilient to water because they share walls with neighbors. Just ensure your yard drain is clear to prevent water buildup. As for the concrete slab, it's usually pretty thin and may have DIY patches. It's crucial to prepare it properly before laying down new planks. Just make sure it’s level and clean to prevent future moisture problems.
Definitely skip the drylok as it just traps water in the foundation. Make sure the concrete is level according to installation specs—no bumps or dips, and it should be level within about 1/4" over 4 feet. You can leave the unaffected vinyl planks, but ensure there's a moisture barrier beneath them. If not, you might want to pull them up and reinstall with a barrier to avoid future issues.
Thanks for the advice! If I level the concrete, do you suggest I pull up the other planks first?
Good call! I recently cleared my back drain after some tree issues. Should I treat the concrete in any specific way before installing new flooring?