Basement flooring best options (Resin, tiles, dampproof paint?)

[andy31]

Hi,

I live in an early 1900's mid-terrace with a 5x5 basement. It's pretty usable as is for utility purposes and I'm planning to install dMVHR extraction.

The floor is uneven, grimey concrete. As far as I can tell any wet patches are actually from condensation settling rather than damp coming through the floor. A major indicator for this is it's much wetter in the summer than winter. I assume there must be a minor amount of moisture coming up through the floor though - surely it can't be completely dry.

I'd like to put a floor down that's cleanable with a mop. I'd like to be able to pull clothes out the washing machine onto the floor without it being dusty like the current concrete is.

What's the best option?

I've considered self-leveling screed and a resin floor. I've watched a YouTube video that used hard wearing flooring tiles cut to size which seemed ok also.

My main worries revolve around managing any rising moisture without it causing new issues like moisture moving to and travelling up the walls.

- Is it safe to use a damp-proof membrane paint before installing either floor type? I don't necessarily WANT to damp-proof the floor but re: the tiles I couldn't let water pool underneath them.
- Can I install the screed/resin without a damp proof paint? Will it be breathable and allow the moisture through? Will the rising moisture eventually break apart the screed/resin?

Thanks for the help.

[aeromech3]

One has to ask, is there dampness in the walls now?
If not what would cause this state to change, as for the floor you desire, a membrane of sorts is a must.
dMVHR , the magic wand, a glorified filter and fan basically, but no reservoir to collect moisture; you might consider a de-humidifier which extracts the moisture into a tank. If you are using a washing machine and more so a drying cycle then there will be a lot of moisture in this enclosed space.

[andy31]

...

Thanks for your reply.

Using a damp meter the basement walls register a bit higher than a ground level wall would. But it's nothing major.

I've read that applying a damp proof membrane on the floor means wetness that would ordinarily come up through the floor instead travels outwards, reaches the walls and can soak into the first few bricks. I don't want to create a problem by changing how the basement has worked for the last 100 years. I want to aid it's ability to breath and dry out, and also get a floor in there that can be maintained and cleaned.

I am planning to use a dMHRV for circulation and a dehumidifier for humidity. There is plumbing and a sink I can let the humidifier drain into.

Having sat on the idea for a week my gut says painting a membrane on the floor won't be disruptive. I don't think there's enough rising moisture to cause any great issue.

[big-all]

general comments you dont tend to get condensing at floor level it can only drip there
as warm air holds moisture,and rises so lifts it up until the moisture saturation is greater than it can hold then it condenses on the highest cold surface then drops down
lay somthing non porous but insulating on the damp floor and see how the water settles on top or underneath
no moisture underneath then dropping from above
moisture underneath then coming from below

[Neelix]

How much moisture is coming from the washing machine ? Does this room have any form of extraction?

[andy31]

lay somthing non porous but insulating on the damp floor and see how the water settles on top or underneath

quote=Neelix post_id=871025 time=1695888603 user_id=62062]
How much moisture is coming from the washing machine ? Does this room have any form of extraction?
[/quote]

The basement floor is definitely wetter in the summer. Which I believe is fairly common and is caused by humidity and lack of air circulation rather than rising damp. I'll see where moisture collects on something I put down.

Washing Machine is used rarely - only two of us in the house - the intention is to get extraction and a dehumidifier down there to manage this.