Do flooring installers fix subfloors?

Author: Mrs. Paula Hagenes  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Given the complexity of subfloor repairs, you should really stick with a carpenter for this project. But if you want to install a new subfloor or underlayment over sound floor joists, hire a local flooring contractor for this step. This project is essential to ensuring your floors are level and structurally sound.

Who do I call to fix a subfloor?

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 much does it cost to fix a subfloor?

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.

Can you repair a damaged subfloor?

Replacing subflooring is a relatively complicated task that requires precise measurements. You'll need to make sure all of the parts of your floor are structurally sound. That said, you don't always need to replace the entire subfloor. If only a portion is damaged, you can patch it.

Can you replace just a section of subfloor?

It is standard practice to set the door on the subfloor, so yes it was installed correctly in that respect. Yes the section of the subfloor can be cut out and replaced.

How to Remove and Replace a Rotten Subfloor

Who to hire to replace a subfloor?

Given the complexity of subfloor repairs, you should really stick with a carpenter for this project. But if you want to install a new subfloor or underlayment over sound floor joists, hire a local flooring contractor for this step.

How to tell if a subfloor is bad?

Your floors shift or bounce when you walk on them.

If your floors begin to feel spongy, springy or bouncy, or if you notice the floorboards around you shifting when you walk on them, it could mean that it's time to replace your subfloor.

Is subfloor damage covered by insurance?

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.

What type of contractor fixes subfloor?

A flooring contractor can replace subfloor.

Subfloor replacement is no minor task, which is why a flooring contractor is likely the best bet for this project.

Is subfloor hard to replace?

Replacing a subfloor is not difficult to learn, but it is labor-intensive and time-consuming. DIYers who tackle this project on their own should ensure they're comfortable with removing and reinstalling flooring, drywall, and trim before beginning.

Why does my subfloor keep rotting?

Sometimes, the source of moisture might not be obvious, such as a leaky pipe, improper plumbing, or water vapor coming up from the ground. Any of these moisture sources can cause subfloor moisture problems.

Should subfloor be screwed or nailed?

Rather than nails, screws are best to use for subfloors — these fasteners are convenient, easy to remove and capable of providing torque that nails lack. Because of their structure, screws can penetrate plywood more easily and improve the connection, whereas nails can weaken the plywood.

How long does it take to replace a subfloor?

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.

Who do you call to fix a sagging floor?

If you are wondering who you should call for help with repairing a saggy floor, you can contact a sagging floor or subfloor repair specialist. Ensure that you hire a reputable company with skilled technicians who can also give you an estimate on the cost to replace the subfloor or repair any sagging floors.

Does wet subfloor need to be replaced?

In most cases, damaged subflooring doesn't need to be replaced. However, in the event of extensive water damage from flooding or extended periods of exposure to moisture, damaged sections may need to be removed to avoid mold and ensure structural integrity.

How do you replace an uneven subfloor?

Using a flat-edged trowel, apply the floor leveling compound. Fill in all dips and uneven spots in the subfloor. Allow the leveler to dry as is instructed by the manufacturer's product label. Remove hills or humps using a floor sander until the entire floor is level.

Do carpet installers fix subfloor?

Most professional installers will take the time to inspect the subfloor. If it's a simple fix, they'll take care of it before installing the carpeting. Often, it's a matter of them using a few screws on the subfloor to make sure that they're properly affixed to the joints.

What is the best material to replace a subfloor?

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.

What is the most cost effective subfloor?

Cost-Effective: OSB subfloor is generally more affordable than plywood, providing a budget-friendly option for flooring.

How much does it cost to repair a damaged subfloor?

Subfloor repair costs $100 to $300 on average if only a small area is damaged. Repairs typically involve cutting around and removing the damaged section of the subfloor and replacing it with new material—a process also referred to as "patching" the subfloor.

Will homeowners insurance cover a sagging floor?

Does home insurance cover foundation movement or sagging floors? Foundation damage caused by shifting or settling earth or sagging floors caused by rotting floor joists are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage is caused by flooding or an earthquake, you'll typically require separate coverage.

What does the subfloor cover?

The subfloor sits on top of the joists. This allows your floors to have a continuous structural surface over the floor joists. There are different materials that can be used for the subflooring. Those are wood planks, plywood, OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and concrete.

Why does my floor feel spongy when I walk on it?

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.

What does a water damaged subfloor look like?

The most obvious is a spongy feel or “give” to the affected area. Other signs of water damage include warping in the floorboards of your hardwood floors, loose sections in your tile floor, bubbling or peeling in linoleum, lifting in your laminate flooring, or a musty smell that could indicate mold growth.

What is the best flooring for bad subfloor?

For very uneven flooring, laminate sheets or tiles may be a better bet. This material is more flexible, but may reveal the imperfections in the surface. The most durable and attractive option for an uneven floor is often a pour on option, such as epoxy.

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