Basement Finishing: How to Do It Right

Make your moisture or water damaged basement livable

Basement finishing is the process of transforming an unfinished basement (the original basement when the house was built) into a livable, usable space. A re-finishing project involves updating a previously finished basement that has incurred water or moisture damage. The end result is the same: you want a healthy, comfortable environment. By starting with the right products and materials, you can ensure your investment in a remodeled basement is money well spent.

Basements finished with conventional building materials (wood, drywall) typically don't hold up to moisture, humidity, and other water issues. Because basements are humid and often experience leaks or groundwater seepage, water damage is the most common issue in basement finishing. Drywall gets soggy. Painted surfaces become stained. Wood paneling and trim becomes warped and moldy. Carpeting begins to smell. If that sounds familiar, read on for the solution.

Choose Waterproof and Mold-Resistant Basement Finishing Products

Basement Systems offers an array of basement finishing products that will stand up to moisture and water. If you’re contemplating a basement remodeling, be sure to consider our waterproof, stain- and mold-resistant wall panels, flooring, ceiling tiles, and trim products.

Basement-to-Beautiful Wall Panels

Basement-to-Beautiful Wall Panels

Rigid foam insulation that includes steel studs for attaching wallboard.

ThermalDry® Flooring

ThermalDry® Flooring

Moisture-proof PVC tiles that look like wood parquet flooring.

TripleSafe Sump Pump System

SaniDry™ & TripleSafe

The best sump pump paired with the best basement dehumidifier & air cleaner.

EverLast™ Wall System

EverLast™ Wall System

Replace bottom section of wood-framed basement walls with moisture-proof steel framing.

ThermalDry® Floor Matting

ThermalDry® Floor Matting

Rugged, moisture-proof subflooring to install beneath carpeting.

ThermalDry® Insulated Subfloor

ThermalDry® Insulated Subfloor

Insulated, moisture-proof subfloor that creates a warm, dry surface.

Basement Remodeling

Whether you’d describe your basement improvement project as basement restoration, basement remodeling or basement refinishing, the goal is the same: to transform an “adequate” basement into a livable one.

Everlast Wall Panels, for example, are pre-finished hard cement boards that will stand up even after getting soaked from a bad rainstorm or major sump pump failure. After your basement is pumped dry, wipe the vinyl, linen-like textured surface with a sponge and mild detergent. The panels are available with or without a bonded layer of 2-1/2-in. of high-density foam insulation. Similarly, our ThermalDry® Basement Floor Systems can be submerged for days without being damaged. Simply clean and dry the modular tiles after a water event and reinstall. For more information about our basement finishing products, visit totalbasementfinishing.com.

Essential Steps in Basement Finishing Projects:

Solve water and moisture problems.

If water is leaking into your basement, our perimeter drain and sump pump system is the best way to stop water intrusion. There’s a good chance you’ll also need to have a basement dehumidifier installed. Our SaniDry™ dehumidifier is the best way to maintain lower humidity levels that discourage the growth of mold and mildew.

 

Restore moldy, moisture-damaged walls.

Many older basements were finished with mold-friendly materials like wood studs, gypsum board and fiberglass insulation. In these basements, mold, mildew and wood rot can often be found on lower wall areas.

Our innovative EverLast™ Wall® restoration system enables us to replace only the damp or damaged lower section of your walls, using steel studs, rigid foam insulation and vinyl-faced cement board. With our EverLast™ Wall System, you avoid the mess and expense of total demolition. Instead, you get an attractive wainscot wall treatment won’t ever be damaged by mold or moisture.

 

Finish your foundation walls.

If the basement area you want to refinish has exposed foundation walls, there are several ways to finish these walls so that your newly remodeled space will be brighter, more comfortable and more attractive.

Installing Basement to Beautiful panels against foundation walls will improve comfort and save energy. Our B2B panels feature rigid foam insulation that won’t degrade or hold moisture, and studs made from steel used instead of wood. Our exclusive BrightWall® wall covering and ZenWall® panels are other wall-finishing options that will help make your new basement bright, beautiful and easy to keep clean.

 

Install new flooring

Flooring treatments that work well upstairs can be a disaster in the basement, especially if wood “sleepers” or underlayment is used. Instead of risking mold and moisture damage with “above-grade” materials, choose our ThermalDry® flooring system. Made from high-strength PVC plastic (just like plumbing pipe), ThermalDry® flooring tiles won’t attract mold and can’t be damaged by moisture.

Available in carpeted, ceramic tile and wood parquet styles, ThermalDry® flooring will easily outlast other types of flooring in your basement, and look great doing it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basement Finishing From Our Customers

• Should I waterproof my basement before finishing it? Yes. It's more economical to prevent water damage before you spend money to remodel your basement.
• How do I prevent mold growth in my basement? Choose a mold-resistant finishing system to deter mold. Even with a waterproofed basement and effective dehumidification, flash floods and plumbing leaks put your possessions at risk.
• What happens if there is a flood in my basement? Whether you're inundated with 1/2" or 5" of water, you want to minimize the risk of flood damage. For ultimate protection, customers who feel at risk from flooding choose Total Basement Finishing's solution for walls, flooring, ceiling, and windows.
• What are the best options for improving my basement walls and floors?  The ideal wall or flooring in the basement is one engineered to withstand the effects of humidity, seepage, and unexpected leaks. The Total Basement Finishing System offers an array of designs and styles while offering these practical benefits 

What is Total Basement Finishing?

Total Basement Finishing is a division of Basement Systems and offers a complete range of innovative products designed for creating a healthy, livable space in the basement. Whether you're interested in a home theater, family room, workout gym, in-home office, or dry, safe storage, you'll find the most attractive waterproof components and expert guidance from your local Total Basement Finishing dealer. 

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