I just had a contractor come to give an estimate for finishing my basement, and he suggested that I could use the LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) that I have upstairs directly on the concrete floor in my basement. He claims that since LVP is made of organic material, it won't promote mold growth. However, all my research indicates that I need to install a subfloor first. I've been considering the Dricore subfloor from Home Depot because I have an interior footer drain system that prevents pooling, but there is still some dampness that seeps through the concrete. Am I wrong to doubt the contractor's suggestion?
1 Answer
Before you lay down any flooring, you really need to address the moisture issue in your basement. If you don't tackle that, nothing will last long-term. I recommend starting with a strong dehumidifier, possibly one that's capable of handling your basement's square footage better than your current unit. If you manage the humidity, then Dricore should work well because it has a raised plastic bottom that keeps it off the floor, allowing airflow underneath. Just be careful with any waterproof paints—they can help, but make sure you prep the surface perfectly.
That makes sense! I also heard that some dehumidifiers are much better suited for basements. Maybe it’s worth looking into a more heavy-duty option.