Basement subfloor - Platon, Truwall or DRIcore

September 23, 2008 · Filed Under Home Maintenance · Comment 

It’s the time of year to think insulation and how to keep the heat inside during the upcoming winter season. With that in mind I have FINALLY gotten around to installing a basement subfloor.  So off I go to The Home Depot for some pricing.

The rec room portion of my basement I want to sub floor is approx 24′ x 24′ or 576 sqft. I was familiar with the “normal” process of strapping my floor with 1″ x 3″ on the Truwall and nailing/screwing 5/8″ plywood on top, but a friend of mine mentioned to me he just installed Platon. So along with the two previously mentioned methods, I decided to toss DRIcore panels in the mix and compare price, functionality and installation ease for each product.

DRIcore


DRIcore are 2″ x 2″ engineered tongue and grove panels, 7/8″ in height (~$7 per panel). The bottom portion of the panels is made of a high density polyethylene moisture barrier bonded to the underside of the Random Wafer Board (RWB). The moisture barrier is molded with “dual wall cleats” that act as a raised moisture barrier.

This “appears” to be the easiest method. Lay them down, and click into the adjacent ones.
Even though they say 2″ x 2″ they are smaller then that. (closer to 23 1/4″ x 23 1/4″) On the display pamphlet is said total square footage divided by 3.3. So 576/3.3 = 175 panels. This is approx $1400 with taxes.

Platon

From the website Platon is “a tough, durable, double dimpled, high-density polyethylene air gap membrane”. Found in rolls 6′ wide by 66′ long. (~$115 per roll) The Platon looks VERY similar to the bottom side of the DRIcore panels. Doesn’t appear to be as sturdy.
The concept behind Platon, is roll it out, over lap the edges and seal with Tuct Tape or Chaulking. This creates the raised air gap / moisture barrier. On top of the Platon you have to install 4′ x 8′ plywood sheets. I chose 5/8″ thickness. (~$30 per sheet) For my area I would need about 18 sheets + 2 extra. So 20 sheets * $30 = $600. Plus the 2 rolls of Platon.
Note: in this method you would need concrete nails or my personal favorite, my 22 caliber single shot Hammer Tool. Cost for 100 inch and a half nails = $15 and about $10 for the 100 shots. Grand total for this method is approx $1000.

Truwall, strapping, and plywood method

This method is by far the most time consuming. You have to first layout your Truwall (complete with strapping grooves). You then have to lay the 1″ x 3 ” strapping in the grooves and while using your trusty 22 cal hammer tool, fix to the concrete. On top of this you then lay your plywood. Again, using 5/8″ thickness. At this point I would screw the plywood to the strapping holding it firmly in place.
4′ x 8′ (1 1/2″ thickness) Truwall = $16 (Need 20)
4′ x 8′ x 5/8″ Plywood = $30 (Need 20)
1″ x 3″ x 8′ strapping = $1.50 a piece (Need 60)
100 1 1/2″ nails = $15
100 22 cal shot = $10
1 1/2″ screws = $30
Grand total = $1200

Conclusion

I opted for the DRIcore Panels.  For the extra cash I hope they are as easy to install as they say they are. (100sqft per hour)  I opted for the panels for the overall funcationality.  I also liked the ease to access my floor drain and my main sewer clean out pipe incase of an emergency.

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House insurance when renovating

February 27, 2008 · Filed Under Home Maintenance · Comment 

Have you completed any major home renovations lately? If so, make sure you inform your insurance company. A recent survey showed that of those homeowners with home/content insurance who renovated their home or finished their basement, only 62 per cent updated their policies.
A renovation usually increases the value of your home and can require an increase in the amount of home insurance coverage you’ll need. Of course this will increase the price or your annual home insurance but don’t let that small increase stop you.

Think about it…if you spent $25,000 on a basement renovation without notifying your insurance company and your house caught fire a few months later, you might not have sufficient insurance to cover this loss. Be sure to protect your upgraded investment by remembering to update your home insurance coverage.

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