Expert: Al Hanzal - 4/20/2004

Question
is there a good carpet for the basement, does it include a moisture barrier? thanks steven whats the average price per square foot for installation

Answer
Steven,
There are no carpets that have a moisture barrier.  If you have water issues from walls or the water being forced through cracks in your concrete, take care of the water issues before getting new carpet.  If your issue is the typical dampness that comes from being below grade like most basements, some carpets are better than others.  You want to find a carpet that has an "action backing".  These are usually white in color and and are man made fibers.  Some carpet backings are jute backing, made from the bark of a tree. (Looks like burlap)  Dampness combined with a natural element like the bark of a tree will produce mold and mildew.  The synthetic action back will not react like a natural fiber.  For that same reason you want to use a man made fiber in the carpet, nylon or olefin (polypropylene).  Do not use a wool carpet because again this is a natural fiber and will reaction with dampness to create mold and mildew.  Most customers will use a nylon or olefin carpet.  Berber or loop carpets are very popular because they are tough and inexpensive.  In most basements people are not looking for formal carpet like you might find in your dining room.  The price of these carpets will vary in different parts of the country because of freight and labor costs.  In Minnesota you could have basement carpet installed for as low as $2.00 per foot.  You will probably find that installers will charge extra for installing on concrete.  This is standard, usually an extra dollar per yard or $10. per foot.  You may find you need to run a dehumitifer during the summer months and more dampness is created in basement areas.  Feel free to write me with additional questions if this did not answer you questions.  Al@hanzal.com