BELOW GRADE, MOISTURE FIRST.

Why basements are different from garages

A garage slab mostly fights what comes in from above: salt, tyres, fluids. A basement slab also deals with what comes up from below. Older GTA homes in particular may not have a vapour barrier under the slab, and moisture vapour pushing up through concrete can lift a coating that is not designed for it.

That is why a basement quote starts with questions about the house and the slab, and often with moisture testing, before anyone talks about colour.

What we look at before quoting a basement

• Signs of water entry, efflorescence (white salty deposits) or damp patches
• Whether the slab has been painted, sealed, tiled or glued down before
• Cracks, low spots and the condition around floor drains and sump pits
• How the space will be used: rec room, home gym, workshop, laundry or storage
• Access for equipment, and ventilation during the install

Our moisture-testing guide explains the common test methods and what the results mean for a coating.

Finishes that suit finished basements

Metallic epoxy turns a basement rec room or bar area into a feature floor. Flake systems add texture and hide everyday dust in workshops and storage areas. Solid colour keeps a home gym or laundry room clean and bright. Every pour is one of a kind, so we use photos of real floors rather than promising an exact pattern.