Basement subfloor preparation

On Thursdy, I ordered 160 panels of basement sub-floor panels from Home Hardware. For this house, I decided to use Tyroc instead of the more usual DRIcore. So why not use a product that has been recommended by HGTV’s Mike Holmes or Bryan Baeumler? Well that’s because DRIcore has its own share of problems.

1. DRIcore doesn’t actually stay dry. Its plastic base does not fully cover the entire base and so moisture can get to the OSB part of the board.
2. DRIcore’s plastic base does not support mold growth, but if the OSB part get wet, it sure will support mold growth.
3. DRIcore panels doesn’t actually stay together. Its tongue-and-groove installation means that the panels will move around. And since it is still wood in the OSB, it will expand and shrink causing more movement in the panels.

Now let’s compare that with Tyroc.

1. Tyroc has a plastic base just like DRIcore. But with a top board made mainly of magnesium oxide. This is an inorganic material. This top board is impervious to fire, water and will not feed mold or mildew.
2. Tyroc panels are glued together forming a continuous surface. It does not come apart like DRIcore. And since it has no wood component, it will not expand or shrink either.
3. Tyroc is even environmentally friendly and green. The base is made of blend of recycled rubber from used tires and recycled plastic. The top is made of magnesium oxide which is mined, grounded into powder and made into a board.

And that’s why despite all the HGTV renovation shows are using DRIcore. I’m going to use Tyroc as my basement sub-floor.

On Friday the Tyroc panels are delievered. And on Sunday we’ve spent a bit time moving all those panels to the basement. These Tyroc panels are only 16″ wide. Making it easy to pass right through my basement window opening. So it was pretty simple. Would have a harder time with DRIcore since DRIcore is 24″ x 24″ and I won’t be able to pass them through the front window.