I'm pulling up carpet tack from a concrete basement floor using the techniques in these videos: vid1, vid2… the technique isn't perfect and I'm still getting the small divots here and there. How concerned should I be about those divots if I'm aiming to put vinyl flooring down eventually? Do the divots definitely have to be filled before laying down flooring?
Concrete – Divots in concrete from carpet tack
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From a comfort and water protection perspective, I think you'll find it beneficial to install a sub floor. I'd recommend one which allows for ventilation beneath it such as these 2x2 panels you can buy at Home Depot/Lowes
This will give you a nice, warm "softer" surface to put your carpet pad on, and help protect from any condensation issues with the cold floor beneath by allowing it a place to form, and then with the proper ventilation openings cut into the subfloor (standard floor vent in the carpet to allow airflow) it'll dry out on its own.
I agree with Steven about Dricore. I have used it and it is terrific for
- creating a moisture barrier
- giving a slightly softer feel underfoot than concrete
- serving as a great subfloor for almost any type of surface
However, I would seal the floor first (which I did) with a wateproofing product like Drylok.
One caution - do not seal the floor under a water pressure tank or filter system that sweats in the summer. Condensation from these systems often drip down and dissipate through raw concrete, but will pool if you seal it.
Keep the dehumidifier going. The moisture is still in the soil surrounding the foundation and will probably still percolate through the walls.
Related Topic
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- Concrete – Flooring Subfloor Condition How smooth it has to be
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Best Answer
You cannot avoid a divot when pulling nails out of concrete small divots I use epoxy filler larger or a large number I use a self leveling compound or hydraulic cement. Vinyl flooring will show divots so they need to be filled.