If you have nice concrete flooring and would like it to remain that way for many years, it is a good idea to put some type of sealant on it. If you have just moved into a used home, try to determine if the concrete flooring has been sealed or not. You can usually tell if a floor has been sealed by its shiny surface, but sometimes it's not that easy. Here is a little trick that works well. Tape the corners of a small piece of aluminum foil on the floor and leave it there for 24 hours. Peel back the foil and if there is moisture underneath it, this means there hasn't been any sealant applied to the floor. This is what is causing it to be damp, cold and musty.

If you are building a new home, there is a good way to avoid getting moisture into concrete flooring. Ask the builder for a water stop which goes between the concrete slab and foundation. What this does is prevent the moisture from the outside from expanding into the concrete. If you are having concrete resurfacing done, make sure it has dried well before applying any sealant.

Remember to check the label on the seal or can for toll-free technical information, in case you need to call them regarding any concrete flooring questions. New plastic laminate flooring works well on concrete but try to avoid the use of any flooring with wood backing when decorating. If you are laying carpet, you can glue it directly to the floor but make sure you use a low-nap carpet. Ceramic tile is considered the best flooring for basements, but make sure you put one down that has good traction. Of course, a good concrete resurfacing job with the rough texture, if you prefer it this way, is also a good way to avoid slippage on a concrete floor. If you decide to paint an unsealed concrete floor, start by dipping a sponge or strain mop into the paint. You can use two colors and then just dab it onto the floor for a faux-finish.