Is Vinyl Flooring a Good Choice for Your Basement?

Mar
82018

Vinyl flooring is gaining popularity as a practical and stylish flooring option for basements. Given its durability and water resistance, it makes sense that homeowners are using this flooring in underused areas of their homes.

Instead of using your cold and boring basement as a storage area, you can transform it into a cozy space for yourself and your guests.

vinyl-flooring

Keep reading to learn more about what makes vinyl the best flooring option for the basement in your Mississauga home.

The Problems with a Concrete Subfloor

Before we start discussing the advantages of vinyl flooring, let’s discuss the temperature and moisture issues of a concrete subfloor in a basement. According to the structural part of your house, below the concrete slab lies the earth itself. Therefore, the coldness of the concrete slab depends on the climate conditions of your region. If you want to create a living space in your basement, it’s important that the temperature isn’t too cold to walk on with bare feet.

One of the easiest solutions to cold temperature in the basement is radiant heating. But if you don’t have radiant heating, you can still overcome this issue by installing a ‘super subfloor’ on the top of the concrete subfloor. The air trapped between the two subfloors will help keep the surface of your basement flooring warm.

Excess moisture is a common problem in concrete subfloors. Even if it appears to remain dry throughout the year, you must have your subfloor tested by professionals before choosing a flooring material. Note that when it comes to a basement, water and moisture issues can emerge from multiple sources. Other than the concrete subfloor, moisture issues can also come from condensation generating from temperature differences, plumbing leaks, floods, etc. This means, there’s always a possibility of your basement to get moist or wet even if it’s dry in current times.

Water-Resistant Properties of Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is made of water-resistant (not waterproof) plastics, although its structure and quality make it very close to waterproof.

To help resist water, you can add a waterproof membrane to a concrete basement floor before installing vinyl flooring. This helps prevent damage to the vinyl floor due to dampness. This makes it your best bet against moisture in your basement.

Durability and Cost-Effectiveness

Your basement needs a flooring option that can withstand regular wear and tear. Vinyl is extremely durable and can handle heavy foot traffic, moisture, and even heavy pieces of furniture.

Compared to other flooring options, vinyl is an affordable substance. For instance, it is much less expensive than hardwood flooring but can provide virtually the same appearance. 

Factors to Consider While Choosing Vinyl Flooring for Basements

While vinyl is a highly effective basement flooring material, there are some factors that you should consider before buying it.

1. Condition of Your Subfloor

The state of the subfloor in your basement is a major factor to consider before installing vinyl flooring. If it is uneven or damaged, it must be repaired. If not properly prepped, it can lead to uneven installation or, worse, damage to the vinyl flooring.

2. Types of Vinyl Flooring

There are three types of vinyl flooring to choose from for your basement in Mississauga: vinyl sheets, planks, and tiles.

You can use any type in basements. However, vinyl sheets and planks are best if you are looking for a floating floor. 

The former is installed in large pieces (usually in 6-foot or 12-foot widths) that you can adjust per the required area. 

Vinyl planks come in wide strips, often called Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). They snap together to create a continuous layer on the basement concrete.

Vinyl square tiles are constructed of 100% polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and come in various sizes. They can mimic the look of ceramic tiles.

Cleaning and Maintenance for Vinyl in the Basement

Once you have installed vinyl flooring in your basement, you must take proper and regular care to ensure its longevity, elegance, and functionality.

Here are some tips to maintain the elegance of your basement:

  • Sweep it regularly to keep away dust and allergens.
  • Mop it with a mild vinyl cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners like bleach.
  • Wipe away spills as soon as possible.

Learn more about quick and easy ways to clean vinyl flooring.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Vinyl Installation in Basements

Several factors will influence how much it will cost to install vinyl flooring in the basement of your Mississauga home:

1. Thickness

Thicker vinyl flooring tends to be more expensive to buy and install than thin styles. For instance, luxury vinyl tiles and planks are five times thicker than vinyl sheets. 

2. Installation

Do-it-yourself (DIY) installation is, of course, cheaper than hiring a professional. However, always strive for the quality of the product and installation. That is why we provide installation services. Our expert team can help you with a perfect installation that will last longer than a DIY one.

3. Size of Your Basement

As with any material, the larger your basement is, the more it will cost to install vinyl flooring. However, once done, you can enjoy its strength and beauty for up to 20 years.

Vinyl flooring is popular for its durability, water resistance, and cost-effectiveness. How much you spend on it will depend on factors like the size of your basement, how you install it, and the type of vinyl you choose. With proper installation, care and maintenance, vinyl basement flooring can last a long time. Contact us today to talk to our experts.

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