All about Basement Floor: Floorings, Drainage and Water Protection

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

A basement floor is a flat surface on the foundation below the ground level which is surrounded by the walls. The main purpose of the basement floor is to provide structural support to the home structure and prevent moisture intrusion from the ground. The thickness of the basement floor is between 3 to 4 inches.

In order to protect the basement floor from water, the surface is covered by flooring, coatings, and paints. The most used 5 types of basement flooring are epoxy, vinyl, tile, rubber, and polyurethane. 

Water can accumulate in the basement due to cracks in the floor, higher hydrostatic pressure, unsealed floor joints, poor drainage systems, and porosity of the concrete. When the basement floor is prolonged accumulates water, it impacts negatively both the structure and occupants.

The basement drainage system helps to accumulate seeped and leaked water in the basement in a proper way. French durian system and sump pump system help to accumulate water and pump out from the basement. This helps to keep the basement floor in dry condition and mold and mildew-free. 

The basement floor can be protected by waterproofing the basement floor, Installing a sump pump, improving the drainage system, sealing cracks and joints, and installing a french drain. 

What is a Basement Floor?

A basement floor is a flat surface on the foundation below the ground level surrounded by walls. Its main purpose is to provide structural support to the home and prevent moisture intrusion from the ground. 

The basement floor is made of lower porosity and higher-strength materials like concrete. Concrete can withstand more compressive strength from the structure and minimize water from leaking from the ground.

The thickness of a concrete basement floor generally ranges from 3 to 4 inches. The basement floor is usually level to prevent water from pooling inside the basement. The surface of the basement floor is often finished with a smooth but slightly textured surface to ensure adequate skid resistance. To prevent a wet basement and flooding, a French drain is installed around the basement floor. The basement floor is coated by materials like epoxy, vinyl, and PVC to improve the basement floor's impermeability and aesthetic appeal. 

What are the 5 Types of Basement Flooring?

Basement floorings are mainly 5 types. Basement flooring consists of different permeabilities and strengths. The permeability helps to stop water from seeping into the basement floor and its strength helps to withstand external forces and loads.

Epoxy basement flooring: Epoxy basement flooring has a low permeability. Epoxy basement flooring forms a waterproof barrier when it is applied to the basement floor. It has a higher durability and is resistant to chemicals and impacts. Hence this is highly recommended for the higher moisture basement floors.

Vinyl Basement flooring: Vinyl basement flooring is a water-resistant basement flooring. Vinyl flooring should be sealed properly to prevent leaking from the seams and edges. Vinyl is strong and resilient but can tear or warp if exposed to excessive moisture over time. Vinyl can be installed on uneven basement floors.

Tile basement flooring: Tile basement floorings are low permeability if grout and tiles are sealed. Tile flooring has a higher strength and can withstand heavy impact and pressure. The basement floor should be leveled and uniform to install basement tiles.

Polyurethane basement flooring: Polyurethane basement flooring has Extremely low permeability and it provides a waterproof and seamless finish. Polyurethane flooring provides a flexible and strong basement floor with high resistance to abrasion and chemicals.

Rubber basement flooring: Rubber basement floorings are water-resistant, but seams may allow moisture through unless tightly sealed. Rubber floorings in the basement provide a soft, durable, and shock absorption capability. But it can easily damaged by external forces and sharp objects. 

What are Basement Floor Coatings?

Basement floor coatings are protective layers applied to the surface of a basement floor to enhance durability, improve moisture resistance, and provide a smoother or more decorative finish. 

The main purpose of basement floor coating is to prevent water infiltration, protect the floor from damage, and improve the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space. These coatings also help in creating a barrier against moisture, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth in damp environments in the basement.

The most used basement floor coatings are epoxy coating, Polyurethane coating, Acrylic coating, Latex-based coating, and Urethane coatings.

What are the Basement Floor Paints?

The basement floor paints are types of coating specifically designed to protect and improve the appearance of basement floors.

 The main purpose of the basement floor paints is to provide a decorative finish while offering a level of protection against moisture, stains, and wear. 

Basement floor paint is also used to seal minor cracks and imperfections, enhancing the overall durability of the surface. It helps to make the floor easier to clean and can resist mild exposure to water. But basement floor paints are not completely waterproof.

What are the Impacts of Water in the Basement?

When the water accumulates in the basement over time, it tends to impact negatively for both the structure and occupants. Prolonged water accumulation in the basement floor can damage to the structure, by wood rotting, material deterioration, metal corrosion, paint peeling, decolorising the walls and ceiling, and wallpaper bubbling. These structural problems cause electrical hazards and devaluation of the property. 

Prolonged water in the basement floor tends to grow mold and mildew in the basement. This causes to musty smell respiratory problems and asthma to the occupants.

How does Water Leak Inside the Basement through the Basement Floor?

Water can leak inside the basement through the basement floor due to these 5 main ways. 

1. Cracks in the basement floor: Water can seep through small cracks or gaps in the basement concrete floor. Water can seep through the basement floor easily if the groundwater level is high or the soil around the foundation is saturated.
2. Higher hydrostatic pressure: When higher hydrostatic pressure builds up beneath the basement floor, it forces water through even tiny imperfections or weak points in the concrete.
3. Unsealed basement floor joints: The joints between the basement floor and the walls can allow water to enter if they are not properly sealed, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt.
4. Poor drainage system: Poor drainage system around the basement tends to leak or clogged water can pool around the base of the home and eventually leak through the floor.
5. Porosity of the concrete: The high porosity of the concrete can penetrate the water through the floor over time, especially in basements without waterproof coatings.

What is a Basement Drainage System?

A basement drainage system is introduced as a French drain. A French drain is a drain system around the basement that is inclined to the sump basin. When the basement drain accumulates water from the basement flooding, leaking or seepage it flows towards the sump basin. The sump basin consists of a sump pump.

The main task of the french drain and sump pump system is to prevent water from entering the basement by redirecting it away from the foundation. This system can protect the basement from flooding, reducing moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew, and preserving the structural integrity of the foundation by alleviating hydrostatic pressure.

How to Protect Basement Floor from Water?

A basement floor can be protected by these 5 ways: waterproofing the basement, installing a sump pump, improving exterior drainage, sealing cracks and joints, and installing a french drain.

1. Basement floor waterproofing: Basement floor waterproofing can be done by applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the floor. Basement waterproofing helps to prevent water infiltration and protects against moisture damage.
2. Install a sump pump: The basement floor can be protected by installing a sump pump. The sump pump removes water that accumulates in the sump pit, preventing basement flooding and water buildup.
3. Improve exterior drainage: The basement floor can be protected by improving exterior drainage. Improving exterior drainage tends to grade landscaping and downspouts directed away from the foundation reduce the risk of water pooling around the basement.
4. Seal cracks and joints: The basement floor can be protected by sealing cracks and joints. Sealing cracks in the floor and joints between the walls and floor keeps water from seeping through vulnerable areas.
5. Install a French drain: A French drain helps to accumulate the excessive water in the basement in a proper way. It collects and redirects water away from the basement foundation, and prevents leaks to the basement.

Basement protection helps to prevent structural damage and foundation weakening, reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, improves air quality by reducing humidity, protects valuable items and finishes in the basement from water damage, and increases the home’s overall value and longevity.