The Aquaguard flooring system is waterproof and mold-resistant, and is well-suited for basements that are prone to moisture issues particularly in the humid climate of Long Island, NY, where water levels are high. They put it in place to prevent water damage, to prevent mold, and to be able to use their basement for living rather than for storage that they do not like.

Why Long Island Basements Struggle With Moisture

Long Island is near the surface of the ocean and groundwater is high under most neighborhoods. This puts continuous pressure on basement walls and floors. fundación se expeliendo más en el tiempo de lluvia, derrumbamiento de la nieve y en el tiempo de las tormentas. Older sump pumps and out-of-date drainage systems are also common at many homes and these are unable to handle large storms.

These circumstances cause genuine issues to households:

• Odors that persist and do not dissipate.
• Carpets or drywall with mold or mildew underneath
• Warp or buckle in the flooring following water exposure.
• Fees for energy costs from continual dehumidifier use.
• Inadequate space, hidden away in the basement, that might actually be useful to the house.

If you’ve seen this before, the problem is often not the basement itself. It’s the material that covers a floor over a surface that was never intended to be exposed to moisture.

What Makes Aquaguard Flooring Different

An Aquaguard floor consists of a water proof rigid core construction that won’t absorb water, swell, or warp when exposed to moisture. It will not absorb ground moisture like carpet and laminate or vinyl does. A built-in vapor barrier is often a part of many systems that prevents water vapor from penetrating through concrete and into the surface layer.

The importance is greatest in Long Island residences with concrete slabs installed directly over a high water table. Moisture can also creep up from the slab and into the basement in small quantities daily, even if it appears dry. Moisture under the floor is virtually trapped, and it’s from there where mold begins to grow.

Instead of covering the problem, Aquaguard flooring eliminates it at the source.

Key Benefits for Long Island Homeowners

Waterproof core. Even if there is a small amount of water in the pit or the sump pump fails, the floor will not collapse, and a single storm is not the reason for replacing the entire floor.

Resistant to mold and mildew. The material doesn’t give surface mould a place to grow, so it helps maintain better air quality for families who are spending time in the basement.

Comfortable to wear for everyday wear. Modern Aquaguard products feature cushioned backing, which makes the basement warmer and softer underfoot than bare concrete or thin vinyl tile.

Long-term durability. The floor material will not be scratched, dented or faded, ideal for basements that are converted into home gyms, play areas, or home offices.

Higher resale value. Once complete and dry, a basement can provide extra liveable space, which is a desirable feature on Long Island, particularly in older homes that typically have wet basements.

How Professional Installation Works

The first step that a qualified contractor takes is to look at the slab to determine if there is any moisture, cracks, or uneven areas in the slab. Any water entering into the building is dealt with first and commonly involves either interior water drainage or upgrades to the sump pump, as the floor is not the problem and will only exacerbate the problem if water is being seeped into its edges.

When the slab is established as dry and even, the installers place a vapor barrier, if one is not part of the product. The Aquaguard planks or tiles are installed in a floating fashion, meaning that no nails or glue go through the slab. This floating system enables the floor to continue to perform over time without cracking or separating due to minor movement of the concrete system over time.

Typically 1-3 days, depending on the square footage and if baseboards, trim or transitions to other rooms must match with the basement.

What Aquaguard Flooring Costs

These typically cost more than regular vinyl flooring, but are less expensive than engineered hardwood due to the additional moisture protection. Total cost of project will vary based on square footage, condition of subfloor and if there is a need to do drainage first. The number of feet of water that a basement can withstand varies from home to home according to the type of soil, and the age of the foundation, and will only be exactly determined after a contractor comes to the home and inspects the actual moisture conditions on the job site.

Why Hiring a Local Long Island Contractor Matters

National flooring companies will have the same way of installing floors regardless of the water table in the area or the type of soil. A Long Island basement finishing company is familiar with the building codes there, typical Nassau and Suffolk County basement problems and which drainage solutions work best in the local climate.

Local contractors can also understand which neighborhoods in the area have historically experienced greater groundwater and therefore will be able to make recommendations prior to installation of the vapor barrier or drainage upgrade, rather than after the problem becomes evident.

Conclusion

But a damp, unfinished basement doesn’t have to remain that way. With Aquaguard flooring, Long Island homeowners have a convenient way to bring that back into their home without fear of the next storm or the next hot summer. A local basement finishing contractor can assess the area and make a good suggestion as to the best way to drain the space, and he can give you a precise estimate, dependent on the unique situation of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions