8 Benefits Of Waterproof Flooring
Perhaps one of the most expensive investments you will make in a home or business is to install new flooring. When you add on the cost of waterproofing, such as cement board, tile, and more, costs can rise even higher. If your current flooring needs to be replaced because there are leaks in the foundation or walls. Waterproofing may not be a choice but it is an absolute requirement if you want to prevent further damage and continue using the space. No matter what type of product you choose for waterproofing your basement floors, just know that your investment and peace of mind will be worth every penny spent!
1. Moisture Protection
The first reason to invest in waterproofing is protection against moisture that will cause mold and mildew to grow. Water seeping into the exposed ground below your basement floors, or pooling in standing water on the floor can have a devastating effect on your property and health. Not only does moisture contribute to the rotting of wood studs and beams. But it is also an excellent breeding ground for mold spores which can lead to serious respiratory problems including allergies and asthma attacks.
2. Improved Floor Surface
Another key benefit of investing in waterproof flooring is the improved surface that you are left with after installation. While concrete has its advantages when being used as a foundation for other flooring types. Concrete itself doesn’t make a great surface for many different types of products due to its porous nature. If you want to install tile, carpeting, or other flooring types on your concrete basement floor. You will need to make sure that the floor is properly waterproofed and sealed.
3. Easy To Clean
There are many surfaces that can be used for waterproof floors including cork, bamboo, and rubber. Each of these options makes a great choice when it comes to installation because of the ease with which they can be cleaned with little effort. Carpets, ceramic tiles, and more that are installed over concrete often trap dirt and grime underneath. This can lead to extensive-time spend on your hands and knees scrubbing the surface – or even worse – expensive professional cleaning services. Waterproof products may not be as stylish as some other options but they really make life easier when it comes to cleaning.
4) Reduce Risk Of Mold Contamination
Of course, one of the most important benefits of waterproofing your basement floor is to reduce the risk of mold contamination. If you are planning to place recreational equipment such as a pool table or treadmill in your basement. Waterproofing will also help protect against rust and even warping that can occur with prolonged exposure to dampness over time. For some homeowners. This may not be a great concern but for others who use their basements as living areas, it is definitely something worth considering!
5. Easy To Replace
The final benefit to waterproof flooring is that if an accident occurs where water seeps through cracks and crevices into the basement floor below. You can simply pull up the waterproofing tiles and replace them rather than having to replace an entire floor surface.
This is another reason that it is important to invest in quality materials when you choose your tile or other types for installation. If you do need to pull up your waterproof flooring. Always make sure that you dry out the area completely before reinstalling new flooring. Otherwise, mold and mildew could actually be kicked up from below instead of prevented!
6. Able To Install Other Flooring
Over Concrete Installing ceramic tiles or carpet over a concrete basement floor means first installing a strong foundation such as cement board or mortar. Fortunately, after investing in waterproof flooring on top of these foundations. It will be easy to install virtually any type of floor you want over the top of your waterproof layer. Of course, always make sure that all seams are sealed properly to prevent moisture from seeping in but otherwise you should be able to enjoy almost any type of flooring you desire without having to worry about additional waterproofing treatments.
7) Maintenance Free
For The Most Part, Once your waterproof basement floor is installed. It will need little or no maintenance other than regular inspections for cracks and leaks. Other than that, a quick sweep or mop will keep your surfaces clean instead of worrying about scrubbing the grime out from under tiles or carpet each week!
If you do have problems with mold buildup in certain areas such as around windows and doors. Applying a bleach mixture can help keep things clean. Just remember that it is important to dry out the area completely before placing your tiles or other floors back down over top.
8) Easily Brighten Up The Space
If you are having problems with a dark and dreary basement. Waterproof flooring can make a huge difference in how you feel about using this space. A lighter color like white will be easier on the eyes for most people. As well as brightening up the appearance of your basement by reflecting natural light from above. Of course, darker colors may be more appealing depending on your preferences. So it’s always important to consider all of the options when choosing waterproof flooring materials.
