On Mon, 2006-07-24 at 15:10 -0700, Randall wrote:
> > Last time I had a battery backup system installed to prevent this very
> > thing. A few weeks ago in the very heavy rain my power was on
> > but the main
> > pump failed and the backup pump couldn't handle the volume.
>
> Sounds like time to address the problem outside the house instead. Bury
> drain tile all around the foundation perimeter, and make sure all the soil,
> sidewalks, etc. are sloped to carry water away from the house. Or at least
> get a bigger backup pump !
I agree. Unless you are at the bottom of a bowl, the water comes from
somewhere and goes somewhere else; you just have to make sure the route
it takes doesn't include your basement. I have a century home with
fieldstone foundations; when it rains hard, there are two-inch deep
rivers on either side of my house, but my basement doesn't get wet (and
if it does, it's my fault for letting an eavestrough overflow or a
downspout extension come off).
>
> > Can I lay laminate floor tiles on the bare concrete? I know they may have
> > some out of level spots but most of it will then be covered with an area
> > rug. When I get water again will the water get under the laminate and
> > possibly cause mold etc. that I cannot see.
>
> Water raises hell with laminate flooring, I wouldn't suggest this. You're
> even supposed to put a vapor barrier between it and the concrete, because it
> can't handle normal moisture from the concrete.
>
> Have you considered painting the concrete and putting down area rugs ? Or
> at least cut the carpet to lay around the pool table legs.
Anything but real tile/mortar are a waste of time in a basement,
especially if you've had water problems in the past, because odds are
good that you will have problems in the future. I would strongly suggest
an area carpet with a cut-out for the table; a rectangular doughnut, if
you will. That way, when your basement floods, you can lift the carpet
and dry it. Oh, invest in a good dehumidifier as well.
John
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