Did your basement flood from the most recent storm in Westchester NY? Many low lying areas of Westchester, got hit hard, including Mamaroneck, Rye, Scarsdale, Bronxville, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Dobbs Ferry, Mt Kisco, Peekskill . We've had a lot of customers calling due to drenched carpets. And, if you don't remove them soon enough, they really start to smell...and if they sit too long they could develop that forbidden word...mold. Yuck!
Sometimes, the water damage is covered by insurance, especially if it was due to an electrical failure. Usually, the insurance will compensate you for replacement value of what you had. We've had many customers who were so disgusted by the smell and ordeal associated with flooded carpets, that sometimes, they just never want to go back. Instaed, they would prefer a water proof solution.
Types of flooring that are water proof or water resistant...good options for basements that flood.
1. Tile flooring - Tile is probably the closest you can get to water proof flooring. It's also generally the most expensive surface, but once it's down, it basically stays put. So, if you don't want to worry about redoing your floors after a flood, tile could be a good option, especially if your floor is level and smooth. If your floor isn't level or smooth, you may want to consider an alternative to avoid spending a lot of money in floor prep.
2. Rubber flooring - Gym flooring or rubber tile holds up extremely well to water. If you want the look of a gym, it's a perfect option as it gives you some cushion for your feet. Many of the rubber tiles are interlocking. So, if you do have a flood, you can pick them up yourself and just let the water drain and then easily reconstruct afterwards.
3. Sheet vinyl - Sheet vinyl is water resistant. If you have a short flood or small amount of water, it will usually survive. If the water is sitting for too long, it could damage the adhesive and parts could come loose.
4. Vinyl plank and tile/luxury vinyl - This is incredibly durable and will usually survive any flood, especially if it's adhered to the floor with a waterproof adhesive (as most are). Luxury vinyl, as the name implies, looks much nicer than sheet vinyl and costs more. Often it will cost a bit less than ceramic tile. If your basement is uneven, this is probably a much more cost efficient option vs. tile as less floor prep is needed.
5. Linoleum - Many customers get linoleum confused w/ sheet vinyl. Linoleum comes in sheets, but it's a green product that is more expensive than sheet vinyl. And, the rolls are usually only 6.5 ft wide so you may have a bunch of seams. If you are looking for a less expensive solution, try sheet vinyl; if going green is important to you, then consider linoleum.
6. Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) - These are less expensive vinyl squares that are 12 x 12". You often see them in schools, grocery stores or Chinese take-out restaurants. They often sort of look marbly and they come in many colors - and sometimes you can even make cool designs with these squares. These tiles are pretty water resistant too. It's a more industrial look and feel...which is fine for some basements.
Flooring surfaces to avoid if you have flooding and excessive moisture in the basement
1. Carpet - Most carpet will not survive a flood. Sometimes, if you lift it up quick enough and remove all the carpet pad, this can be salvaged and then you just need a "pad and restretch." While most carpet will not survive floods, it is the least expensive surface and it can tolerate uneven basements, so many opt to put carpet in the basement to save money - at least in the short run.
2. Hardwood flooring - Obviously, hardwood does not hold up well to water
3. Laminate flooring - many get this mixed up with vinyl flooring. Laminate flooring is made w/ wood, so it is NOT waterproof.
4. Cork flooring - Cork acts like a sponge for water, so this will not survive a flood
Selecting the best flooring for your basement in Westchester NY
Often, basement flooring comes down to trade-offs. What is most important to you - the look and feel, the cost, how resistant it is to water? Often, these are in conflict, so you need to choose what is best for your basement and your budget. All basements are different. Some are flat and smooth (which makes any flooring work better); others are uneven, cracked and sloping. All these factors are important considerations. It's often helpful to bring in an expert who can help find the best flooring solution for your basement.
For more information, check out this post Replacing you carpet after a flood - steps you should take.
If you've had a flood in your basement and need to replace the carpet or flooring in your basement, give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950. We can help advise you on the best options for basement flooring and explain the pros/cons of each surface. Our estimates are always FREE. And, best of all, we bring the flooring "store to your door."
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