Greetings All
I recently had a flooded basement. The strapping, vapor barrier and 5/8 T&G all had to be removed. I’m thinking of 1″ EPS foam sealed and taped . Here’s where my questions start.
1. Can I apply an engineered wood floor over the EPS?
2. If you think I need a layer of wood between the EPS and the flooring, Can I use T&G OSB instead of T&G plywood?
From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.
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Replies
Hiya smiley,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
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Let's run this thru one more time again.
bump
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First solve your flooding problem.
And, yes, I believe that you need a subfloor under the engineered wood floor.
I think that I might use 2 layers of 1/2 inch ply or OSB stagered as the sub floor. Glue (sheet vinyl flooring adhesive works great for this) and nail / staple them together.
Awhile back there was an article on basement wall and floor insulation and there is a web site on building practices that would be good for you to read. Maybe someone will remember the names and dates as I seem to be haveing a senior moment.
Hi BigBillI have the article, and this is probably the way I'll go. I was just curious if anyone had any feed back on the 3 in 1 underlay for engineered flooring. My brother just installed it recently, so I was looking for a longer term opinion.
When I was finished laying down my house with real wood veneer (bedrooms) and formica (kitchen) engineered floorings, I made test scraps with each type glued to form a joint. I was curious about finish lamination to backing and how the joint would hold up, especially in the kitchen. I left the pieces outside for months, sun, rain, snow. I figured this was sort of fast track test of how my floor would hold up. I was impressed. I did not see delamination or mushrooming at the edges. The joints held as well.
Having said this, if you ever get another flood, you will have to replace the flooring, just to get the underside dry and healthy. I don't know why you flooded, but you should correct that problem. Engineered flooring can not be saved if flooded, even if they look undamaged. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the info, I have the problem corrected, and don't expect it again, as someone in the past used fiberglass insulation and silicone to seal the hole that my well pipe comes through. I've removed and re-sealed with hydraulic cement. I don't think anything less than tile won't have to be replaced after a flood. I think I'm going to go with engineered wood.
EPS soaks up water. You should be using XPS underneith at least 3/4" Plywood. Read FHB article by Andy Engel, The No-Mold Finished Basement, Mar'05.
Personally, I would never use hardwood or carpet in the basement, but that's just me.
Good Luck!!
Actually, I think Andy recommended EPS in his article. But I agree with you that XPS is much better for this application. Both of them have enough vapor permeability for a basment in the thicknesses someone is likely to use (maybe 2-3"on walls and 1-2" on floor?)
Billy
I agree hardwood does not belong in the basement, carpet I think has merit in certain applications, although I will never install carpet in my house. We are a hardwood, tile and engineered floor family. (I have children, with allergies) I know the articles sais EPS, but it has been recommended to go XPS, and I may install 2 layers of 1/2" plywood or OSB . Although I may try the 3 in 1 underlay under engineered flooring.