Basement Floor Epoxy in Bloomington, IN

Basement floor epoxy changes a dusty grey slab into a floor you can mop, roll a chair across or put a treadmill on. In Bloomington, the planning starts with water. Monroe County's wettest month is May, with about 5.1 inches of rain on average according to Wikipedia, and basement slabs sit in that wet ground. Water vapor moving up through the concrete is the main reason basement coatings blister and let go. We test before we recommend anything.

Signs to look for first

• White powdery deposits on the slab or the bottom of the walls
• Dark patches that come and go with the weather
• Old floor paint that is bubbling or flaking
• A musty smell, or rust on metal shelving legs
• Water at the floor-wall joint after heavy rain
• A sump pump that runs often in spring

How we test

A simple plastic-sheet test, taped to the slab for a day or two, shows whether moisture is condensing underneath. Where a floor is borderline, we use more precise readings. Low to moderate readings are handled with a primer made for damp concrete. If water is actually coming in through a crack, the joint or the sump, that has to be repaired first. We will tell you that before we take a deposit.

Limestone ground and basement cracks

Bloomington sits in limestone karst, with sinkholes, springs and underground drainage. Basement slabs in this area can show settlement cracks along with ordinary shrinkage cracks. We mark each crack and check whether it is stable. Stable cracks are opened, filled and coated over. Cracks with an offset or that have grown need a closer look, and a coating should wait until the cause is known.

Radon comes first

The American Lung Association notes that every Indiana county is in EPA radon Zone 1 or Zone 2, which means medium to high potential for elevated levels. Radon enters through cracks and gaps in the floor and foundation. Sealing and coating the slab is not a radon mitigation system, and we do not sell it as one. Test first. If you need a mitigation system, it is easier to install before the floor is finished, and we coat around the pipe and sump lid.

Finishes for basements

• Solid color: a clean, light floor for laundry and storage areas. Light colors help in basements with small windows.
• Flake: hides dust and adds a little texture, good for gyms and kids' playrooms.
• Metallic epoxy: a poured finish with swirls and depth for media rooms, home bars and studio spaces.

We coat around floor drains, leave cleanouts accessible and can stop the coating at a clean line where carpet or other flooring will meet it.

Air and humidity on install day

Basements have less airflow than garages. We plan ventilation before we open any product and choose low-odor materials where it makes sense. Running a dehumidifier for a few days before install helps the coating and the room. A slab that sweats on a humid summer day should not be coated until it is dry.