Do you guys have any horror stories about dri-core subfloor for basement studio

[mikeyrad]

Hi guys, I'm about to put dri-core in my basement studio just wondering if you guys have any horror stories about this basement subfloor?

Any tips when installing or headaches encountered?

It look like great idea for a basement floor.

[John White]

I have not heard any negative comments about this system, however, they that would install it are typically DIY'ers who may not have much to compare with.
My concern apart from cost is that there are many seams which my not provide a solid base for flooring. Where as typical 3/4" TG is sold in 4x8 sheets.

This basement sub-floor underlayment system Basement Solutions, DELTA®-FL underlayment, DELTA®-FL Flooring, sub-flooring, Delta dry floor, interlocking laminate, slab-on-grade floors
can be used in conjunction with regular sub-flooring.
Of course the labor for this system could ultimately be more difficult to install.
I guess it depends how solid you want your flooring to be.

What will you be installing over it?

Ultimately, Dri-Core looks like an easy alternative albeit more expensive.
Good Luck-

[mikeyrad]

Thanks for the reply!

It will be getting installed over concrete floor with those old school vinyl tiles with aestbestis under it. I know I will need the leveling kit when I put it down and I thInk I'm gonna caulk the edges to seal it too. Also thinking about caulking the seams to seal it better too

[wellnessmusic]

Originally Posted by mikeyrad

Thanks for the reply!

It will be getting installed over concrete floor with those old school vinyl tiles with aestbestis under it. I know I will need the leveling kit when I put it down and I thInk I'm gonna caulk the edges to seal it too. Also thinking about caulking the seams to seal it better too

We don´t have that particular product in europe but we do have products similar to what John refers to. What I recommend you to do is first of all to make sure that the drainage around the basement is ok but also figure out how much humidity you have in the concrete slab - either by drilling a hole and messure with a humidity-meter, or by simply put a transparent plastic foil (1 x 1 ft) on the floor and tape the edges so there will be no air leak. If you will find humidity underneath the plastic after 48 hours I would say no for this kind of flooring and rather go for a flooring with no organic material or a flooring with mechanical ventilation (see attached picture).

A flooring like this must have a gap around the edges and a ventilated skirting - don´t seal it. If there is a floor drain I would disconnect it or fill it with concrete. Imagine what happens if the waistwater system gets jamed and the water gets backwards in your brand new studio..

I hope you will find this helpful. I wish you good luck with your project.

All the best / Bjorn

[mikeyrad]

wellnessmusic, thanks alot, great info!

One quick question, can i put the plastic foil on top of my asbestos tiles to check the moisture? I don't want to lift up a tile with the asbestos on it.

I also do have a humidifier down there at all times...

[wellnessmusic]

Originally Posted by mikeyrad

wellnessmusic, thanks alot, great info!

One quick question, can i put the plastic foil on top of my asbestos tiles to check the moisture? I don't want to lift up a tile with the asbestos on it.

I also do have a humidifier down there at all times...

I´m not sure what kind of tiles you are talking about. Can you please post a picture of the floor and the wall construction and I will try to help you with some ideas. I really don´t want to bring you any unecessary worries but reffering to the title of your thread I have seen many headaching stories about treating a basement room in a wrong way. if you already using a humidifier you have humidity you need to take care of in a proper way.

If the tiles are in a plastic-material and ”diffusion proof” you need to either lift a tile up and cover that area with the transparant plastic or drill o hole in the slab and put a humidity-sensor there (you can borrow / rent that sheaply) in order to get a relevant measuring result. I would also recommend to do a humidity check on the walls (the area below the outside ground level).

The role is to not build in any organic material (wood, insulation etc.) directly against any humidity surface (concrete slab / floor for example). It´s very important to make the floor / wall construction with a gap in between and that gap has to be ventilated. It has to breath.

All the best! / Bjorn