A basement renovation is a great home improvement project to take on – it creates a more livable space and boosts your property value. But before you get started, take steps to ensure a healthy living environment for you and your family.
According to Health Canada and the CDC, radon is an invisible, odourless gas that is produced when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s found naturally in the ground and is present in many homes, but it is a concern when levels get too high.
One way radon can seep into the home is through cracks in the basement concrete. These cracks can happen naturally when the concrete shrinks and expands as it cures, as well as due to tree roots, poor drainage and freeze and thaw cycles in the soil.
To help mitigate radon emissions, the first thing to do when finishing your basement is seal any cracks in the concrete. A product like DRICORE® PRO Concrete Repair is a great all-in-one solution, as it can seal, fill and structurally reinforce concrete cracks. The three-step system includes a crack repair product to seal cracks, a crack injection product that expands to fill the cracks and prevent water leaks or gas seeping through, and finally, a carbon fibre reinforcement kit, which reinforces the wall to ensure structural strength after a crack has started.
Once you’ve completed this essential step, then you’re ready to install the subfloor. It’s important to do this before you lay down your finished floors, as a subfloor system like DRICORE will help protect your basement from mold and mildew, and it will insulate against the cold concrete with its elevated air gap design. The end result will be floors that feel warmer and more comfortable to walk on.
Now that you have a solid foundation for your new basement, you can install the flooring and walls. Then you can move on to the fun stuff, such as picking out finished floors and light fixtures, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re creating a beautiful space that’s also safer for your family.