Check with the straightedge in different positions. Of course, you could also do this by eye. However, checking the subfloor with a long metal ruler gives the necessary insight into the actual condition of the floor. The straightedge makes any potentially hollow areas visible.
Put a level on the floor and see if it slopes somewhere. If it does, you mark the level height all around, mix the leveling compound and pour it out, and rake it around. If the floor is level but has a set of drops or pool points, draw around those pond areas with a permanent marker.
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.
Place your straightedge or level flat on the subfloor in various directions—vertically and diagonally. Check for gaps underneath. Measure these gaps with your measuring tape. Any gap exceeding 3mm over a 3metre span is typically too uneven for timber flooring installation.
The subfloor is typically made of plywood or OSB, ranging from 19/32 inches to 1-1/8 inches thick. Subfloor plywood or OSB sheets typically have tongue-and-groove edges to reduce floor sagging and bounce. If the bottom-most floor is a concrete slab, its definition as a subfloor becomes more fluid.
Use Self-Leveling Compound to Correct Subfloor
Wide sags and depressions in a floor sometimes can't be adequately bridged even by sheets of plywood, so it's best to fill these areas with self-leveling compound.
Choosing between repairing and replacing subflooring comes down to the condition of the existing subfloor. If it's generally in good shape, repairing the damaged areas may be a consideration and can cost less than a full replacement. Subfloor repairs can cost between $2 and $10 per square foot.
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.
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.
Liquid Leveler is still the best option
As Steller Floors have grown in popularity, we have heard of many, many ways to level subfloors but by far, the best way is by using liquid floor levelling compound. It is the fastest, easiest, most cost-effective solution in the bunch.
Step 4: Use a flooring underlayment to smooth out any remaining inconsistencies. A flooring underlayment can help to smooth out any remaining peaks and valleys in the subfloor and prevent problems down the line. However, remember that an underlayment can't work miracles, so don't count on it as your only solution.
Mold can quietly spread in these hidden areas, especially where there's moisture and organic matter. To find subfloor mold, look for musty smells and check for visual signs. Discoloration and damage to flooring materials are often signs of a bigger problem that needs attention.
There are many factors that can affect its longevity, such as the material, the amount of moisture it's exposed to, etc. However, most subfloors can last as long as the home itself. That said, you may have to replace your subflooring after 20 to 30 years if it has absorbed too much water too often.
Of course, you could also do this by eye. However, checking the subfloor with a long metal ruler gives the necessary insight into the actual condition of the floor. The straightedge makes any potentially hollow areas visible. By sliding the test material underneath, the exact value can also be determined.
Over time, due to water damage, pests, or simply wear and tear, subfloors can deteriorate and require replacement. While the task might seem daunting, with the right tools, materials, and know-how, it's a manageable project that can be tackled by DIY enthusiasts or professionals alike.
A flooring contractor can replace subfloor.
Whether a homeowner is replacing rotted subfloor resulting from water damage or patching smaller sections that have deteriorated over time, a structurally sound, flat surface is required to serve as the support for tile, hardwood, or vinyl flooring.
Home and condo insurance typically covers floors and carpet if the damage was caused by a covered peril. Scratches, dents, spills, and other mishaps may not be covered.
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.
As previously mentioned, the labor cost for subfloor replacement varies depending on factors like room size and location within the house. Typically, it ranges from $25 to $30 per hour. The project duration usually spans a day or two but can vary based on the extent of repairs and necessary prep work.
Typically, wood joists have the cross section of a plank with the longer faces positioned vertically. However, engineered wood joists may have a cross section resembling the Roman capital letter "I"; these joists are referred to as I-joists.
Moderate damage: For areas with uneven joists or minor subfloor issues, repairs could cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the repair technique used. Major structural repairs: If the problem stems from foundation issues or severely damaged joists, costs can climb significantly.
What Causes a Floor to Feel Uneven When Walking On It? Two of the most common culprits behind uneven floors are differential settlement and, if you have a crawl space foundation, problems with the wooden structures in your crawl space (beams, joists, support posts, etc.)