For some homeowners, the idea of plush carpet is an ideal choice for their basement flooring. For others, the mention of carpet in a basement brings up visions of mold just waiting to happen. When it comes time to update the flooring in your basement, you may be confused as to whether or not carpet is a smart choice. The truth is, it depends on your situation. While carpeting may work for your neighbour’s basement, it may not be best for yours. Read on to learn the truth about having carpet in your basement so you can make an informed decision.
The Truth About Carpet Flooring in Basements
Generally speaking, carpet is a good choice for bedrooms, living rooms and family rooms. It ranges greatly in design and costs, making it a good choice for many projects. As an added bonus, it also helps to dampen sounds, making it an ideal choice for upper levels of the home. Carpet flooring is also soft and warm, making it a safer choice for those with children who are more likely to be on the ground playing. For all these reasons, many homeowners opt for carpet in their basements to help warm up the space.
The biggest concern about carpet in the basement is the potential mold issue you will have if there is a flood or water damage. Fear not, as carpet is actually no worse off than other popular times of flooring. In fact, in the event of a flood, your carpet flooring can actually be dried out quickly to avoid any mold issues. However, if left unattended, the water will soak through the carpet and into the underpad. This is where mold and mildew can start to grow, making it a health hazard for your home. To avoid these issues, be sure to act fast if your carpet gets significantly wet.
Is Carpet Flooring Right for Your Basement?
If your basement is prone to flooding or moisture, carpet is not the best choice. You’re much better off with a more water-resistant material such as Luxury Vinyl Flooring also known as LVF. Here are some alternative flooring options that are great for basements to consider.
You also want to think about the purpose of your basement. Will you be using it primarily for storage? Or do you hope to make it a family room to watch movies in? If you will only be using the space for storage, you do not need to invest in something warm and comforting on the feet. If you do plan on spending quality time down there, then it makes sense to have something nice for you to walk on. You also should consider your pets and children, will there be messes to worry about cleaning up? Will pet hair and dirt get trapped? Or, do you value the safety that carpet brings? These are all very important questions to consider when making your decision.
You can always connect with a flooring professional who can help you figure out what is the best option for your basement. Tell them about your lifestyle and how you intend to use the space. They may even suggest different types of flooring for different sections. This way you can have the best of both worlds and find a solution that works for your home.
Every home is different and will require a different flooring material to suit its needs. If you’ve been considering carpet but are scared about potential mold issues, the good news is that you don’t need to worry, even if there is some water damage. Connect with a pro to discuss your options so you can feel confident you’ve made the right basement flooring choice. When you’re ready to start budgeting your project, check out our Canadian Cost Guides to get an estimate on how much your flooring project will cost.
