QA

Question: How To Replace Sub Flooring

How much does it cost to replace a subfloor yourself?

Replacing subfloors will cost between $1.45 and $7 per square foot for materials. Labor costs will be around $27.50 per hour.Average Cost of Replacing Subfloor. Item Price Range* Extra materials $20 – $50 Total Cost about $580 – $2,500.

Can you put new plywood over old subfloor?

To add an extra layer of plywood over a subfloor, you will need to clean the floor to ensure there is no dirt and grime. After cleaning, you will install the plywood over the subfloor one sheet at a time. However, you need to make sure the plywood seams are over the subfloor so that it provides adequate stability.

Is it hard to replace a subfloor?

The subfloor usually runs in a continuous sheet under all the walls. It can’t be removed easily. The underlayment, however, was put in after the walls were up, so it fits each room and is tailored to the type of floor covering being used. The underlayment, therefore, is easy to pull up and remove.

Can you replace subfloor yourself?

If your subfloor is in need of replacement, the damaged portion will need to be completely cut out. This also requires the removal of all floor covering over the problem area as well as the accompanying underlayment materials. The process for this portion of the job will vary based on the type of flooring you have.

Does homeowners insurance cover subfloor?

Insurance Coverage for Subfloor Water Damage In some cases, you may find that the water damage is so extensive that drying the subfloor after flooding is difficult. In such cases where the entire subfloor needs replacing, homeowners’ insurance will often cover subfloors’ replacement due to water damage.

How many layers of plywood do you need for a subfloor?

The first is to lay two layers of 3/8-inch plywood over the slab without fastening or gluing them to the slab. One layer is laid, and the second layer is stapled or glued perpendicularly or diagonally over the top.

Should I screw or nail subfloor?

Using code-approved screws rather than nails is the best option for avoiding movement. If using nails for subfloor installation, stick with ring-shank nails; smooth nails may withdraw easier, leading to squeaks.

What goes on top of subfloor?

Underlayment: Some types of flooring can be installed directly on top of the subfloor, such as vinyl flooring. Other types need a middle layer, called underlayment, such as laminate,carpet and tile.

What does bad subfloor look like?

Sinking sections are tell-tale signs of subfloor failure. If a floor begins to sink between floor joists, it’s a sure sign that there is an issue. This is commonly caused by moisture issues deteriorating the wood, but it can also be caused by improper installation.

Does subfloor go under walls?

Wall and Floor Basics Subfloor: The subfloor is nailed to the top of the joist. Often 19/32-inch to 1 1/8-inch thick plywood or OSB, the subfloor might run continuously across the joist, or two sections of subfloor may meet on a joist. Bottom Wall Plate: The bottom wall plate is the bottom-most part of the wall.

Can you use subfloor as your floor?

Concrete subflooring is acceptable as regular flooring, as long as it’s in a moisture-proof environment. Consider the long-term effects of leaving your subflooring exposed.

What size plywood is best for subfloor?

The minimum thickness of plywood for subflooring is about 5/8 inch. Since it does not hold fasteners as well as plywood, OSB must be a little thicker, or at least 23/32 inch.

How do I know if my subfloor is bad?

9 Common Signs of Subfloor Damage Your floors are uneven or sunken in parts. Your floorboards squeak – loudly. The room smells musty. Your floors shift or bounce when you walk on them. Your toilet is rocking or loose. Your tile flooring has cracked. Your hardwood floor is cupping. Your linoleum floor is bubbling up.

What can I use for a subfloor?

Plywood is considered the most popular material used for subflooring, it has been used since the 1950s and remains one of the top choices for contractors. Standard plywood works perfectly fine as a subflooring material, but the best option is ¾” tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring.

Who do you call to replace subfloor?

While you can install a subfloor yourself, hiring a professional flooring contractor has significant benefits. In addition to removing old material and installing the new subfloor, a professional will know which type of material is best for your location and whether or not you need to install a moisture barrier.

Are rotten floor joists covered by insurance?

Beware – Some insurance policy’s exclude rot. Some insurance companies exclude dry or wet rot floor joists however it has arisen. Others will cover the cost of joist repairs if the rot was as a result of an event that your policy covers you for i.e. a leak or burst pipe.

What is a sagging floor?

Sagging floors result from failing floor joists in the crawl space underneath your house. These problems can result from open crawl space vents or doors, excessive moisture and humidity, and wet, rotting wood. A sagging floor typically implies a sagging floor joist underneath it. Mar 9, 2015.

Should subfloor have gaps?

To avoid buckling, subfloor panels should be spaced with a 1/8-inch gap at all edges and ends to provide room for naturally occurring expansion. Tongue-and-groove edges on many premium floor panels, such as Weyerhaeuser’s Edge Gold® OSB panels, are designed to self-gap.

Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?

The National Tile Contractors Association and the Resilient Floor Covering Institute both recommend plywood for subflooring and underlayment, because it doesn’t have the risk of swollen edges that OSB does. Plywood also has a slight advantage in stiffness, which means that subflooring panels need not be quite as thick.

What do you put between subfloor and underlayment?

Use building paper! Yep, put down an underlayment of 15-pound felt building paper between a wood subfloor and your hardwood planks, and you can reduce the chance of squeaky floors and control moisture.