Basement flooring advice? (bleedthrough?)

9 years ago

We are looking to have vinyl flooring installed in our basement. This is part of a basement remodel. We have no dampness or water issues but have decided upon some type of vinyl due to the possibility of future issues as the hot water tank, washer, etc. are in the adjacent laundry room.

There was old (I'm assuming) vinyl flooring that my husband removed. There is remaining black adhesive remaining. However, it is a smooth surface. We like a Karndean loose lay tile and had the installer come to measure, etc. He said that since the adhesive was a petroleum based adhesive, there is the possibility that it could "bleed through" the vinyl tile so we would need to have a "feather coat" applied to the entire floor and that they would recommend the entire floor being glued down, instead of just perimeter gluedown and a line every 13'. So that doubled the installation price. They also stated that this could be an issue with any vinyl tile applied to the surface.

Does this sound correct? What are the chances of "bleedthrough" if we skip the feathercoat? We're talking $2000 installation for flooring that only costs $2000....

Or should we just drop the looselay and find a floating product?

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (3)

PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
9 years ago
Wow! You found THE GUY who knows his STUFF! Absolutely agree with your installer. The mastic MUST be covered (ahem...anyone test for asbestos in tile AND glue?????). If you did not test the vinyl tile nor the glue...you may have to do that before anything happens. If the tile/adhesive is from the early 80's or EARLIER (like 50's, 60's or 70's) we have a chance this black stuff is asbestos based.

Not the point. The bleed through is a HUGE possibility. As for perimeter glue vs. full spread glue down...that is a personal choice which has to do with the substrate (wavy/bumpy/lump) and the material it is sitting on (concrete vs plywood).

A full spread glue = HIGHEST level of install we have for vinyl. It is excellent for concrete slabs that are not very level and/or have issues with moisture. The adhesive used can work as a vapour barrier.

As you can see, even without adding in asbestos into the mix, this is far more complicated than you can imagine. And your installer is one of the GOOD ONES!!!! Keep him/her on SPEED DIAL! Hand out contact information to family and friends!

Too many times we hear homeowners complain that 'no one told us' that extra work was needed! Well - you have found the ONE INSTALLER who has a clue...and who shares the clue!

Good for you! You are in good hands. If the installer HIGHLY recommends a full spread glue down, then there is something s/he is seeing that we cannot (without photos we are guessing) - and s/he's already proven to be smart and communicative. I would go with whatever they recommend.
lorraineg570
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks so much for the lengthy explanation.

We've dealt with this company before as they installed all of the hardwood on the main floor of the home. Small, local company. I'm wondering if a floating floor might be a better way to go. We've remodeled the entire house (it was a foreclosure and in sad shape) and funds are getting a little tight.

I believe the home was built in the 70's but I have no clue when the basement flooring was installed. Unfortunately, with a foreclosure, you're left in the dark on a lot of things.
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PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
9 years ago
Floating floor will work...so long as the concrete is SMOOTH, FLAT AND EVEN! If you have a humpy/lumpy basement slab...you are in the same boat as a glue down vinyl = have to level and grind the floor = asbestos testing for the mastic.

If the installer is HAPPY with the flatness rating of the concrete, I would look at a floating floor. Technically the plastic vapour barrier such as 6mil polysheeting will be enough separation between the vinyl and the mastic. Again, the flatness quotient must be good enough to lay a floating floor. Vinyl is UNFORGIVING where as laminate is a little bit more forgiving.

Good luck. I know that the budget is getting tight. I would look at a laminate that fits the budget and purchase 2-3 more boxes to help with a repair should anything happen down there. A nice little cork underlay will help keep the laminate floor warm and solid...and it should all come together for much less than a high-end vinyl like Karndean.