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DRIcore
DRIcore®
THE EASY WAY TO WARM AND DRY BASEMENT FLOORS
Avoid nagging moisture problems that affect most basements with DRIcore subfloor, an easy-to-install panel system with a patented moisture barrier. This underlayment solution insulates and protects your floors from water damage, mould and mildew, transforming your basement into a comfortable year-round living space that adds value to your home.
HOW DRICORE® SUBFLOOR WORKS
See how subflooring can make a difference in your home.
- DRIcore panels are ideal to put under carpet, laminate, engineered hardwood, tile and vinyl — or leave as is and finish with a polyurethane coating.
- A patented high-density polyethylene moisture barrier creates a permanent air space between the concrete surface and subfloor panels, which eliminates dampness and cold in your basement.
- The lightweight 23.5" x 23.5" panels press-fit together without any nails or glue and are strong enough to take up to 5,000 pounds of weight per square foot.
- After subfloor installation, finished floors are up to 3.2°C warmer and the risk of harmful mould is greatly decreased.
BASEMENT RENOVATION INSPIRATION GALLERY
Let DRIcore help you kick-start your basement renovation! From workshops to storage rooms to wine cellars and home gyms, get inspired and turn your cold, concrete basement into the space you’ve always dreamed of.
SUBFLOOR INSTALLATION FAQs
Where can subfloor panels be installed?
DRIcore subfloor can be installed in basements, slab-on-grade homes, garages, workshops, storage rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms and above-ground concrete floors.
How long does it take to install DRIcore panels?
The length of subfloor installation time will vary by room size and layout. At an average of 100 square feet per hour, DRIcore takes 50% to 60% less time than a conventional subfloor takes to install. The easy-to-handle, free-floating panels are designed with a tapered tongue and groove edge for fast assembly, and can be cut quickly with a circular saw, jigsaw or hand saw.
How many DRIcore® panels
and levelling kits do I need?
Use this simple formula to determine the number of panels and levelling kits required for your project.
| Room square footage |
÷ | 3.3 | = | Number of panels required |
One levelling kit for every 60 panels is recommended.
| Room Size | Area (Sq. Ft.) |
# of Panels Required |
levelling Kits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10' X 10' | 100 | 31 | 1 |
| 14' X 16' | 224 | 68 | 2 |
| 16' X 20' | 320 | 97 | 2 |
| 20' X 24' | 480 | 146 | 3 |
How many panels and levelling kits will I need?
Estimating is easy — the total square footage of your room divided by 3.3 equals the number of subfloor panels you’ll need. This factor includes an allowance for normal wastage and cutting around obstacles and pipes. If you need to even out your concrete surface, one DRIcore levelling kit for every 60 panels is recommended.
Can I install DRIcore over existing floor surfaces?
When installing subfloor panels over existing floor surfaces, the surface must be clean, structurally sound, and free of debris or materials that may impair the performance of the panels. The existing floor surface must also be free of materials that may trap, block or absorb moisture, or promote mould growth. Some vinyl glues are known to mould when installed directly to concrete. It is recommended you remove any residue or debris and clean the concrete surface thoroughly before installing any flooring materials.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, DRIcore subfloor panels feature a 25-year limited warranty.
SUBFLOOR INSTALLATION TIPS
With DRIcore’s patented technology and one-step installation process, you can complete your subfloor installation in less time than you think. Watch how simple it is to install DRIcore panels as a DIY project:
A HEALTHY HOME
Concrete continually releases moisture, but the air gap technology in DRIcore panels encourages constant air flow and evaporation of surface moisture emitted from your concrete floor. This means a decreased chance of mould, mildew and dampness forming — and a healthier home environment as a result.
Can I increase the air movement underneath DRIcore panels?
Yes, you can increase air flow by cutting 3” x 10” or 4” x 10” air register vent openings every 10 feet around the perimeter walls of the room to allow air to escape.
TIPS
Along with installing a subfloor, there are several steps you can take to prevent mould and mildew in your basement:
- Fix leaks to prevent moisture infiltration.
- Make sure you’re running a dehumidifier and clean it regularly to control the level of moisture in the room.
- Install walls a minimum of 1/4” away from concrete walls and install a subfloor that provides four-way airflow and moisture protection. Concrete continually condensates because of the warm air mass from your home coming into contact with the cold air mass from outside your home. Increasing airflow between your concrete wall and floor helps keep your construction materials away from the damp concrete.
- Make sure you have enough furnace air vents in the basement to help maintain balance in the room. If you install walls to build rooms without installing an additional vent in the new room, you will have an imbalance in the air handling system, which could cause cold or damp spots.
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