Above Grade Vs Below Grade Flooring

Concrete is the only below grade flooring that does not work upstairs due to weight limitations.

Above grade vs below grade flooring.

This is because these levels are highly susceptible to moisture issues. Exceptions to above grade vs. Above grade and below grade are defined as distinct areas and the appraiser will report and value them separately on the sales comparison grid. Levels that are above ground level can have solid engineered or floating hardwood flooring.

Above grade on grade and below grade. All floor coverings that are deemed perfect for basements ceramic tile porcelain tile all forms of vinyl flooring and natural stone can be used above grade. The below grade finished square footage of a house is the sum of the finished areas on levels that are wholly or partly below grade. Only finished above grade areas should be used in calculating and reporting above grade room count and gla.

Levels that are beneath the ground level even partially can only have engineered or floating hardwood flooring. As you can see both ansi and fannie mae are consistent in their requirement that gla is entirely above grade. Solid hardwood flooring is more susceptible to moisture issues because solid wood and water don t mix. Due to indoor humidity the level at what you install your flooring is crucial to having your floors stay in good condition.

In summary hardwood flooring that is installed at grade or above with moisture barriers in place will perform the best. Hardwood flooring solid and engineered has three installation grades. Above grade floors are not susceptible to ground moisture which can make them easier to prepare during installation than below grade and on grade flooring. Below grade flooring should be engineered wood because it is better able to resist high humidity levels.

Installation grades tell you on what level your hardwood floors should be installed. Nevertheless an indoor humidity level between 35 50 is still recommended for good floor care. The people who created the grading system nofma do not consider quality to be a factor that differs throughout the different grades although many installers and contractors would beg to differ.