basement subfloor question

[bhostasa]

Hi guys. I am finishing our basement and have a questions re: the flooring.

The basement has had some water issues in the past (which I'm addressing w/ a sump and drain when the weather breaks). I am planning on installing engineered wood flooring in some areas and carpet tiles in others.

I've been thinking about installing a subfloor beneath the wood and carpet to help with warmth and the comfort factor. I'm looking at installing 1/2" styrofoam that is moisture resistant and 1/2" OSB (with a vapor barrier underneath). I have to watch my total height as I have 1-1/2" to the bottom of my exterior doors.

Does this seem like it would work? I am planning on using construction adhesive and tapcons to adhere the OSB to the concrete.

Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

 

[studor]

www.dricore.com/en/aboutus.aspx
Given the thickness you have to work with and the wet conditions I would use (and have) this stuff. It works, makes the floor warmer and is probably about the same price or less as your planned approach

 

[bhostasa]

I looked at that stuff. I think it's out of my price range. It was about $1.75/sf. The way that I was describing is about $.53/sf.

I have approx. 1300 sf to do so that's a pretty big difference.

 

[framer]

Snap in flooring floats. They have 3/8 product to lay under for bsmt.
less than inch thickness.We have a floating floor love it. Good luck

 

[GPintheMitten]

My advice is do your water management tasks and then do nothing for one year. In doing so, you'll have given yourself the opportunity to see various conditions throughout one year cycle and determine if the water proofing has worked successfully and address any issues.

I would do this, before I put all the time, effort and money in floor coverings and other improvements.

If you have to come back and rip out a bunch of stuff because it got wet/damp and moldy, it will cost you a lot more.

 

[robb01]

Id go with the floating interlocking grid system, it worked well for us

 

[Egon]

My advice is do your water management tasks and then do nothing for one year. In doing so, you'll have given yourself the opportunity to see various conditions throughout one year cycle and determine if the water proofing has worked successfully and address any issues.

I would do this, before I put all the time, effort and money in floor coverings and other improvements.

If you have to come back and rip out a bunch of stuff because it got wet/damp and moldy, it will cost you a lot more.

That is very sound advice.

And maybe reconsider that OSB to some exterior grade plywood.

 

[JB4310]

I've never used it but would recommend those panels with the plastic bridging underneath, it's similar to the geotextile materials we use in the basement waterproofing work we do. You need a break between your concrete floor and sub-floor and that's the easiest way to get it, worth saving for.

I usually recommend against sub-floors in basements but if you have to then those panels seem the way to go. Would not glue OSB to floor, though you mentioned vapor barrier and foam insulation so not sure what your planning?

In general for water control we recommend less layers and more free space/buffer between concrete and finished building materials.

JB.

 

[Luremaker]

Instead of using the expensive drycore panels why not use the Platon dimpled membrane right on your floor. Tape and seal then place your T&G plywood right on top of the platon.

System Platon - Flooring

 

[Egon]

There is also a "Schluter system".

http://www.schluter.com/2080.aspx