Installing a floor in your basement may require leveling the cement floor, if uneven. Do not atempt to level out the grading of the floor as 1/2″ distributed over 4 linear foot is typically required for drainage of condensed moisture.

To successfully install a basement floor you must fill any crack, holes, expansion joints with cement-based patching compound and level the floor, if uneven, by using self leveling cement.

Steps to Leveling a Cement Floor

• remove any loose material using a chisel and a putty knife
• clean concrete of any dust, oils, dirt and paint residue
• apply a layer of concrete primer using a paint roller
• allow concrete to completely dry
• mix the floor leveler with water per manufacturer’s instructions
• pour the leveler and spread it quickly using a rake
• use a trowel to make sure the leveler is flush with the uncovered surface
• let the leveler dry per manufacturer’s instructions

Tools and Materials Required

• chisel
• putty knife
• concrete primer
• paint roller
• paint tray
• loor leveler
• gauge rake
• trowel

Steps to Patching Concrete Floors

• remove any loose or flaky concrete using a masonery chisel and a hammer
• vaccum the floor
• apply floor-patching compound
• use a trowel to make smooth transitions to surrounding areas
• scrap the area smooth once the patching compound has cured

Tools and Materials Required

• masonery chisel
• hammer
• dry/wet vaccum cleaner
• floor-patching compound
• trowel

Now your basement floor is ready for the next steps involved in installing a basement subfloor and a floor covering of your choice.

As an additional steps before proceeding, you may want to:

1. verify the level of moisture
2. verify the level of radioactive radon gas in your basement

How to Verify the Level of Moisture in Basements

• by taping a 1 square foot of clear plastic on the floor for 24 hours
• if there is moisture on the plastic do not install the floor until you fix the moisture problem

Here is More Information About Radon

Ignorance is not bliss – is radon slowly killing you?
Awareness Video Clips
Detecting Radon
Mitigation Methods