Installing subfloors incorrectly could lead to costly repairs and additional replacements down the road. It's best to work with a local flooring contractor to replace subfloors, but you can DIY the project if you have experience installing them, which could save you between $25 and $30 per hour on labor costs.
Taking all these factors into account, subfloor material costs can range from as low as $2.50 per square foot for plywood to as high as $10 per square foot for Amdry or Barricade. Common subfloor materials include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), Amdry, DRIcore, Barricade, Warmboard, and concrete.
Was subfloor leveling included in the contract or estimate? Flooring installers usually just install flooring... if your subfloor is messed up then repairing that is usually a change order or must be repaired by a framer.
A handyperson with subflooring experience can tackle minor subfloor repairs. However, more extensive damage and structural issues must be addressed by a licensed contractor. Subfloor repairs require specific expertise to ensure safety and long-lasting results, especially if mold or severe damage is involved.
Who to hire to replace subfloor? A professional contractor. Subfloor replacement is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge, tools, and skills.
Does homeowners insurance cover subfloor? In general, homeowners insurance covers subfloor water damage. However, it must be caused by one of the perils listed in your insurance policy.
A skilled handyman. If they have the experience, they should be able to handle all aspects of the work involved. A General contractor, they should have all the skills and knowledge to accomplish the work.
How Long Does Subfloor Last? Subfloor typically lasts 30 years or more, but if it is consistently exposed to moisture you may need to replace it sooner.
There are many signs that your damaged subfloor should be replaced with a new subfloor. These include squeaks and other noises, cupping or warping, cracked or popped tiles, sagging or unevenness, the smell of mold or mildew, or bubbling tile.
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.
Subflooring can last a very long time. Under normal conditions, a subfloor can last as long as the house itself. However, should a subfloor be damaged or defective, it may only last 20 to 30 years. Should this be the case, a homeowner might need to peel back the layers of flooring and get to work.
Check the Level of the Subfloor
To check for small high or low spots that may not even be visible, place a long level or straight pipe on the subfloor. Move it around to different areas and mark any high or low spots you find with a pencil or marker. Most floors will have at least some slight variations.
Most modern vinyl flooring, such as Happy Feet, comes with an attached underlayment or pad, often with a moisture barrier built-in – unless the pad is cork. If the product you choose doesn't have an attached underlayment, you can almost always install directly over the subfloor without one.
Replacing a subfloor may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, materials, and know-how, it's a project that can be tackled by DIY enthusiasts or professionals alike. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your floors remain strong, stable, and beautiful for years to come.
Floating Plywood Subfloor
As the least-expensive subflooring option, floating plywood's only barrier between the concrete and the plywood is plastic sheeting.
While it may seem tempting to replace the subfloor from underneath if your home has access from the basement to this area, it should always be replaced from the top.
Sagging or Uneven Floors: A Clear Indicator of Structural Issues. Another critical sign that your subfloor may need repair is if you notice sagging or uneven floors. These issues are often more apparent in certain areas of the home, such as near doorways, in the middle of rooms, or along walls.
For an average-sized room of 300 square feet, expect to spend about $900 to $3,000 on the cost to replace subfloors, or $3 to $10 per square foot. Most homeowners spend about an average of $1,560. Laying down a new style of flooring, like marble or linoleum, might require a new subfloor.
An uneven subfloor is most likely to be the culprit for that spongy feeling if the issue is not evenly distributed but confined to specific areas – particularly if you can rule out causes such as water damage if, for instance, the flooring is newly installed.
Plywood is the most common subfloor and is a popular choice because of its strength, durability,and ease of installation. Plywood subfloors are made of layers of wood veneer that are then glued together. Plywood can be used with a variety of flooring materials.
Safety factor is a measurement with which your floor was designed to support loads without collapsing. Most homes have a safety factor of 40 PSF (pounds per square foot).
Generally, no. Insurance would cover a sudden loss event. A slow leak causing rot over an extended period of time is not a sudden loss event.
It's difficult to assess if the sub-floor is rotting until carpets or tile are pulled back and an inspection is conducted. However, if the sub-floor feels spongy and sags when walking across the floor, this is a sign of a rotted sub-floor.
Repairing your crawl space costs an average of $6,000. Depending on the exact problem you're reparing, total expenses can range between $2,500 and $8,000. Repairs to vents and cosmetic damage run on the lower end, while structural repairs tend to cost more.