The previously owner installed two cold air returns but in the ceiling. I have subsequently installed one cold air return to the floor without too much success to the problem. I have concluded that I will replace the carpet with laminent flooring. My plan is to build up by 1 1/2 inches with strapping and hard insulation. Should I run piping and possibly use hot water heating in the flooring? Lastly the installation of the flooring is being questioned. The flooring that was purchased the non-gule free floating type but mfg instruction indicate that if their is moisture issues to use glue. I was going to use a vapor bearier so would this still be an area of high moisture? If I use either approach is an odd brad nail a bad thing?
Thank you again.
Garth Hetterly
Answer:
Return air grills on ceilings do not work because cold air is heavier than warm. Return air grills on the floor, on the other hand, work very well and that appears to be your only problem. I'd do that before going to any other trouble and cost. Radiant heat will help but you should not need it if each room in the basement is service by a return air grill. You cannot nail laminate flooring to the best of my knowledge, any more than you can nail a kitchen counter top.
