Blogger Bernardsville, NJ on Oct 03, 2011

I'm researching carpet for my basement.

I've never had water but it is damp as most basements are. I have little piggies (kids) who have lots of little piggy friends. And I have a dog. I once had carpet that I believe was "looped" - it snagged in the vac and unraveled. So, I need advice on carpet that will stand up to heavy use and will not unravel. Any help is very appreciated.

19 Comments

JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

For high traffic and especially for roughhousing "Piggies" the rectcled carpet squares are great. With foam like backings, are not so tuff on the little knees. I'd run a dehumidifier for a day after a thorough mop down and then a good coat of sealant or even a primer like KILZ Original formula can be applied. Then the adhesive will be able to bond well. Let us know...JL
on Oct 03, 2011 · Like 0
Donna McCrummen Bernardsville, NJ

JL carpet squares make sense. I re-read my question. There is old 60's 12x12 tile that I won't pull up - there is black adhesive - could be asbestos. Can I still use the tiles? Will they cost less I think I can install them myself.

on Oct 04, 2011 · Like 0
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

Just to be on the safe side Donna, with the empty room and floor scrubbed and dried, roll out a good coat of a sealer/primer like the KILZ product and let dry thoroughly and then apply the tiles. You'll be fine, just common sense and sharp utility knife blades. Might want to chaulk out a couple lines from middle to middle and work outwards. sometimes you really luck out and the ends from both sides fit and there's minimal waste. Be sure to post some pix of the snazzy design! Good Luck JL

on Oct 04, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Never use a carpet on below grade rooms. Not a good choice because of dampness. I have tested many carpets and found those that are below the grade end up with the highest amounts of dust mites then those on upper level areas. Not a healthy environment for kids.
Donna, if you have 12 inch tiles they are not asbestos. only the 8" size were known to have that in the tile. The black adhesive is just what was used during that time period and was used for ...»
just about all types of tile produced during that time.
There is a book that I would suggest you purchase. It is written my Jeffery May The book is called "My House Is Killing Me" contains a ton of very useful healthy home tips written by one of the best around. I have been to several of his seminars at trade shows and always learn from him.
The only thing I would suggest is that you take is advice and use it as guidance and not as a bible. While I agree with lots of things he talks about, some are a bit over the top. However, what you can take away from this is some great ideas on how to build safely and create a healthy home and perhaps gives you some things to think about when doing any kind of remodel within your house.

on Oct 05, 2011 · Like 3
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

To each their own, just putting options out there...Best of luck whichever way you go. JL

on Oct 05, 2011 · Like 0
Riv C Oak Park, MI

The smartest thing I ever saw in a basement with kids was interlocking foam tiles, similar to these, can be laid over whatever is there and are completely replaceable and cleanable, piece by piece
http://www.amazon.com/Sell-Mats-Anti-Fatige-...

on Oct 06, 2011 · Like 1
Donna McCrummen Bernardsville, NJ

Cool, but my kids aren't babies. They are little piggy's 14 and 10

on Oct 08, 2011 · Like 0
Donna McCrummen Bernardsville, NJ

-- DECISION MADE - I'll be having my basement tile tested for asbestos. When I'm sure it's safe I'll take it up, finish the concrete (questions to follow - we've never done this) and use large rugs instead of carpet. Here is the lab I'm using.....http://www.asbestos-testing.com/index.html

on Oct 08, 2011 · Like 2
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Good deal! Let me know when you get results, I would be interested in seeing them.

on Oct 08, 2011 · Like 1
Donna McCrummen Bernardsville, NJ

Sure will Woodbridge.

on Oct 09, 2011 · Like 0
Paul M Fairburn, GA

Have you considered an artificial turf type of carpet? It is not looped, it is designed for heavy use, it is designed to get wet and not have a problem. Now I don't know if you can get it in any color besides green but it is worth checking into. That is the only thing I know of that can handle your tough criteria.

on Oct 09, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Here is a perfect example of a client of mine who wants to put a carpet on their basement floor. We removed the old tile and we found evidence of moisture coming up from floor. They were sure that they did not have water issues. The tile was just covering it up.
on Oct 11, 2011 · Like 0
Donna McCrummen Bernardsville, NJ

@Paul - turf type anything would have my dog in pee heaven. @Woodbridge...that's grim....how difficult is it to get that black adhesive up to finish the concrete? With all the projects going on around here I'm not sure I can take this on now.

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

The black adhesive does not need to be removed, only cleaned real well. However if your planning to glue down wood, not suggested then there are special grinders that can be rented to remove this stuff.
In your case if you decide to go the tile route, then the cement used to hold the tile down will work fine. ...»

If you want to paint the cement with an epoxy finish which can look quite nice they rent stone grinders that can remove the asphalt materials and bring it down to clean cement.
In your home I would not be surprised to see this (photos) when tile is removed.

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 1
Donna McCrummen Bernardsville, NJ

Sounds like a lot of work but a fun "look what I did" project. Now, if I can just get hubby to help me with those darn deck stairs.....he promises next weekend.....we shall see.

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 0
Bob H Apopka, FL

Woodbridge>>> On the contrary, from what I have learned in my 22 yrs in the businss, is that there were many 12x12 tiles sold back in the 70's that contained asbestos. Simply known as VAT tile, rather than VCT tile. The black adhesive used back than is called Cutback adhesive and is also known to contain asbestos. When in doubt, leave it alone! Also, when I lived in Buffalo, NY, commercial quality, level loop olefin carpet was a very popular choice for basement floors. Not ideal ...»
in my mind, but everybody used it. The nice thing about it is the price....very inexpensive and easy to replace.

on Oct 13, 2011 · Like 0
Donna McCrummen Bernardsville, NJ

@Bob H. Does the level loop olefin carpet you mention need padding?

on Oct 14, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Bob, I find that interesting as I have never run across them. But you learn something everyday. All the tiles that we have tested were 8 inch ones. Thanks for the heads up on this. I will keep an eye out for them in the future.

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 1
Bob H Apopka, FL

Donna>>>> No. This would be a glue down application.

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 0