Subfloor or no in basement?

2964 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by mklein49, Jan 3, 2013

mklein49

Discussion Starter · Dec 31, 2012

Hi All,

This my second post and closely related to my first post, but felt it was wise to keep the questions independant.

I'm getting ready to finish my basement in a home which was constructed in 2008 in St. Louis, MO. I'm debating about putting down a subfloor prior to the finish flooring in the basement. I'm having a hard time fulling apprecating the risks of not including a subfloor such as 1" XPS + 2 layers of 1/2" OSB board.

I plan to have two types of flooring installed, carpet and linoleum. To date, I have not had water in the basement. In addition, I have no dampness in the basement. (It's currently unfinished, but is filled with stuff and dirt). I'm not sure how relevant it is, but 2 of the 4 basement walls are above grade.

Please help me understand what I'm risking or gaining by not applying a subfloor prior to finishing the flooring. I've read a number of articles but it's not really clear to me how this applies for my climate. Most folks I know who have finished basements in this area have not used a subfloor or even considered it.

Thanks,
Matt

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oh'mike

· #2 · Jan 1, 2013

It's no advantage that I can think of----

What is the reason to do it? I think it would harbor mold underneath---

I've built quite a few basements and never used any thing special on top of the finished concrete---

I do like ceramic tile as a basement flooring ---

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AllanJ

· #3 · Jan 1, 2013

One reason for a basement subfloor is for (thermal) insulation. The ground has a year round temperature of about 55 degrees, and not having a subfloor can increase your heating bill if you like things cozy and warm.

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mklein49

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 1, 2013

Thanks for the feedback guys. I was at my parents over the holidays and they have no subfloor on their recently finished basement. The flooring felt fine to me. I gave it a test run with my barefeet and felt it was fine.

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oh'mike

· #5 · Jan 1, 2013

We get to hear of failures here---water heaters bursting---pipes leaking---floods and other water in the basement.

The floating 'subfloor' panels and lament flooring almost always need to be removed because the water under it will not dry out.

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stadry

· #6 · Jan 1, 2013

acid-stain / epoxies are also a good alternate - its flood-proof, pet-proof, mold/mildew proof :yes:

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mopar44o

· #7 · Jan 2, 2013 (Edited)

What about barricade subfloor

http://www.ovrx.com/basement-flooring.html

or just laying .5 inch xps sealing joints and screwing down with 5/8 tongue and grove plywood into the concrete.

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mklein49

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 3, 2013

mopar44o said:
What about barricade subfloor

http://www.ovrx.com/basement-flooring.html

or just laying .5 inch xps sealing joints and screwing down with 5/8 tongue and grove plywood into the concrete.

I considered that exact product, but really wondered what I stand to gain with it and what I risk without it. Is it just a warm floor? If that's all, I think I'm ok passing. But, if it really does provide some moisture protection in my case, I'd consider it.

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Bruntson

· #9 · Jan 3, 2013

If your basement is dry, you will have no problems installing carpet with a pad and vinyl flooring. I have done it hundreds of times in central Iowa and with no issues. You will not gain anything by installing a subfloor.

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mklein49

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 3, 2013

Bruntson said:
If your basement is dry, you will have no problems installing carpet with a pad and vinyl flooring. I have done it hundreds of times in central Iowa and with no issues. You will not gain anything by installing a subfloor.

Ok. I think my mind is made up. Pad is going directly on the slab.

Thanks for all the replies.

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