Novalis or back to carpet in basement?

[nonni]

I had researched what to put in my basement and finally decided on Novalis, bought it, and when we took up the carpet and the peel and stick tiles I found the glue under the tiles seemed to have mildewed from prior flooding. I had no idea until we lifted the tiles. That was why I picked Novalis, because I thought the vinyl tiles I had were okay in water. Under the carpet looked brand new, the edges had been wet & dried with fans. Now I'm thinking I should carpet again. I really don't want another mess like the one I have now and a basement can always flood. I'm on a budget and don't really like ceramic, does anyone have other ideas? Also how to clean the glue?

[BrianM]

My advice is if you are on a tight budget is to choose a floor covering that doesn't involve glue or any kind of permanent installation. You have a moisture problem that's not compatible with any of the low end flooring choices. What you suppose is a flood is most likely just moisture migrating from the dirt under your slab up into the concrete. It's trapped under the vinyl and over time will attack the adhesive and dissolve or degrade it. There are citrus based solvents that can clean the glue. Make sure you ventilate well.

Think about just sealing the cleaned concrete and using throw rugs made of materials that won't stink and degrade from a little exposure to moisture. If you move those rugs around periodically those areas of the floor will "breathe" and allow for some of that moisture to evaporate.

[Barry Carlton]

One thought about the citrus based adhesive removers, most manufacturers do not want them used prior to install new adhesive adhered floors. the porosity of the concrete sometimes allows enough absorption into the concrete to affect the bond of the new adhesive. I know that Forbo, Armstrong, and Mannington all have something in print to this effect. The citrus remover continues to do it's job on the new adhesive.

[kylenelson]

I had a customer last summer put down indoor/outdoor carpet with double stick tape. They wanted to take it up really easy in a room that floods alot. Not saying that you should do this, but like the other's have said, a type of flooring that can be removed easily can save you money in the long run.

[nonni]

That was my thought to replace the carpet section, 12 x 25 which still has the tacks. I thought it would be really nasty when we pulled it up due to a flood and age but it looked brand new. The flood only affected the perimeter of the carpet, and it WAS a flood due to sump pump failure. We extracted the water and had the restoration company dry out the carpet & walls for 3 days. The tile area was completely covered in water, it leads to a back door walkout that has a gutter sagging over the cement stairs JUST in that spot, Murphy's Law, so it was wet many times without me even knowing it, thus the hidden glue problem. Under the carpet looks like it was poured yesterday so I don't believe there is any moisture problem in the foundation itself. Yes, I am trying to get the gutter problem fixed first but you'd be surprised how hard it is to get someone to show up and do it! I've been trying for several years. If I'm lucky I'm home to stand in the doorway and clear the drain during severe storms, if not, water comes in. Why I'm so concerned about what to put down! I was so happy when I thought I had the answer! Thank you so much for your help. I think you're right about low end flooring options, but I need to make it livable space with a real floor. What would be the best for the section by the door which includes a bathroom, indoor outdoor carpet or a ceramic/porcelain tile? Does water get under those tiles?