Thermal Dry Floor Matting question

[Vman88]

I'm planning on finishing my basement and I'm trying to figure out how to finish the floor correctly. When using Thermal Dry Floor Matting, do the studs/walls get installed on the floor matting or on the cement directly? If the studs go on the matting, does the water vapor that comes in through the floor get behind the walls? I don't have excessive moisture coming in through the floor, but I want to make sure I won't cause any problems behind my walls before I start hammering.

Thanks

[craig@pioneer]

Vmann88:

We recommend that the basement be finished first, and then you put in the matting system. Basement Systems has told us that it is possible to put in the matting first. However, the best results are by putting in the system after.

craig@pioneerbasement.com

[Vman88]

Thanks for replying and the advice. I really like the idea of the flooring and will probably have it installed, but I have some concerns I need piece of mind about first: If the matting butts up against the walls, doesn't that mean the vapor would get trapped under the matting and accumulate under the tiles over time or is there a proper way to ventilate? Also, if the vapor has constant contact with the sheetrock at the base of the walls, will the sheetrock be safe over time? I ask the first question beacuse I had similar problems in our old house from a different solution. The moisture stayed trapped against the floor and the surface of the cement sort of eroded - and this was in a relatively dry basement. Again, I really hope your matting works because it sounds like a great solution I could really use, but I don't want to repeat the mistake done in my old house.

Thanks

[stevea]

Vapor form the cold concrete floor will not be a problem once the Thermal Dry Matting is installed as the 3/8" air space acts as insulation and will lessen the condensation in the summer months.

I don't know all your situation as to your basement but THermal Dry Matting alone WILL NOT solve a wet concrete floor. You may need a drainage system installed. I would recommend that you have a Certified Waterproofing Professional look at your basement and make recommendations. Hope this helps.

ps> What are you doing to protect your walls from the same problem? WE also install a Thermal Dry Wall System that has a foil surface that will act as a vapor barrier and also reflect heat back into the basement. Your can request a color brochure right here on the website or call our office at 1-800-649-6140. Thanks SteveA