Basement Seminar One - Floor Preparation

Planning your job		Process:
Installation Instructions		Humidity Testing
Condition and age of the concrete		Job Planning
Repairs needed		Floor Preparation
Surface Preparation – Wash or Grind		Repairs
Schedule processes and helpers		Color Application
Assemble the tools needed		Sealer application
Check for concrete humidity		Finish Coat
Select stain color, design, patterns		Maintenance Program
Drains
Electricity and water
Access to the floor
Protect the walls

How to Identify Potential Humidity Problems in Basements

Mold and/or Mildew - Fungus that grows in damp, dark areas and causes discoloration and musty smells . They can also cause allergies and decay on wood products.

Musty Odors - The result of the decaying process from mold, mildew, and dry rot. Definitely a sign of heavy humidity or water in the basement.

Damp Spots on Walls - Sign that water has absorbed through the wall. Cement blocks will have dark grey splotches in various places.

White Chalky Substance on Walls and Floors - Known as efflorescence, this is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. It is a sign of possible structural deterioration. Problem needs to be addressed because it gets worse with time and more expensive to repair.

Cracked Walls - Sign that foundation has moved/shifted. Cause may be changes in weather from very dry to wet, accumulation of water at the base of the walls or below the floor creating soft ground. Should be inspected to determine the exact cause of the problem.

Peeling Paint – Best sign of humidity penetrating the walls or floors. Paint will not stick to a humid or wet surface.

Rust on Appliances or Furniture - Look for rust on bottoms of furnaces, water heaters, and other metal appliances. Rust means heavy constant humidity or water.

Dry Rot - Dark brown/black fungus. Can grow on walls and other surfaces but grows mostly on wooden surfaces causing wood to decay. Bad news for people or pets with allergies. Can be easily cleaned but cause still needs to be addressed .

Warped Paneling - Moisture will cause paneling to bow and discolor, commonly at the bottom portion of the paneling

Humidity Testing Product Information

Humidity Testing Kits and Reports

Floor Preparation

Removing Existing Flooring

Carpet and Padding Removal - https://youtu.be/q8ahkUS8qe0?t=7s

Removing Tack Strips - https://youtu.be/q8ahkUS8qe0?t=1m15s

Removing Glued Carpet - https://youtu.be/q8ahkUS8qe0?t=1m58s

Paint and Glue Removal - https://youtu.be/72bigqG7ByQ?t=20s - https://youtu.be/He3Xn3B1fuQ?t=6s

Asbestos Removal - https ://youtu.be/He3Xn3B1fuQ?t=6s

Removing Vinyl Flooring - https://youtu.be/q8ahkUS8qe0?t=2m28s

Products to Prepare Floor

Black mastic and carpet glue remover: SealGreen SGR1500

Paint or sealer remover: SealGreen SCR1600

Scrubbing spatula: SealGreen 10-Inch scrubbing spatula for SGR1500 and SCR1600

Absorbent for mastic, glue , sealer, and paint: SealGreen Absorbent for SGR1500 and SCR1600