[pure_energy1]

Hi all,

I just purchased a home that was built in 1977. The basement is finished, however the floor needs some TLC.

It appears that the floor currently consists of 2 layers of linoleum tile over cement. There are a couple of dips, like the drain pictured below, but for the most part it seems pretty level. There are spots where plumbing fixtures come above the floor, also pictured below. There doesn't seem to be a moisture issue, however it is rather cool down there. Being that I live in a colder climate (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), I'm thinking that my best option would be to build a subfloor, insulate it, and then lay laminate flooring over that.

This room will be used for my home theater setup.

Pictures (pardon the mess, I just moved in a few days ago)

If a subfloor is the way to go, I have some questions:

- Should I simply lay the beams (framing) over the linoleum tiles?
- What size wood should I be using, 2x3, 2x4? 1/2" or 3/4" ply sheets?
- In order to even out the dips, I'm guessing that I'd simply shim those areas?
- What shoud I use to insulate the floor?
- Should I be concerned about anything else?

Thanks!

 

[psgstl]

Since you recently purchased the house, you should wait some time to be sure you experience any moisture issues despite what the previous homeowner may have told you. Taking up some of the tile in an inconspicous section may be helpful. You may want to check out www.dricore.com for a subflooring option...in fact, they are based out of Mississauga, Ontario. Home Depot here in the US carries this produc.

 

[HABSFAN2006]

I am near montreal, as my username would indicate, so I know what your looking for exactly. I agree with the previous post mentioning you should wait untill next spring, after the thaw if possible to really evaluate moisture, water infiltration if any. Now, drycore might be a good product,
but it comes at a cost. If you have a lot of moisture, this might be the best option. But, if your basement is fairly dry, I would go to Home Depot, and look at their concrete / basement floor options.
i believe they hold Plastifab products, see: http://www.plastifab.com/applications/floors/floors.html

this will usually be covered with 5/8" t&g ply, with tapcons.

I am not sure about regulations of covering a drain / min. required drains below grade.

there are varying opinions on this subject, and the answer to your question depends on the conditions of your basment.
But, this is what I would do, to allow me to insulate & install laminate, or engineered hard wood.