One solution to help protect the sub-floor from rainwater damage during construction is to use LP® TopNotch® 350 Durable Sub-Flooring. What is LP TopNotch 350 Durable Sub-Flooring? LP TopNotch 350 Durable Sub-Flooring is an OSB sub-flooring designed to reduce the impact of moisture during construction.
The modern solution is Polyethylene Film laid over the ground to act as a barrier to prevent moisture from rising from the ground into the subfloor.
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.
You can seal a subfloor using a sealant specifically designed for subfloors, such as a penetrating sealer or a moisture barrier. Penetrating sealers are typically made from a wax or oil-based formula that soaks into the wood, protecting it from moisture and rot.
The national cost range for replacing a subfloor is between $600 and $2,500. Most homeowners pay around $1,600 for a 200 sq. ft. area in a kitchen or living room using OSB board.
Epoxy. Epoxy sealers are usually the preferred method of sealing and waterproofing plywood. Epoxy doubles as an adhesive, which gives an additional layer of strength plus protection for the wood, helping it to last even longer. It can double as a primer too, if the wood is to be painted after sealing.
The barrier must be installed directly onto the surface of the subfloor. Use a sealing tape to seal the rows securely together. The installation should be in the opposite direction you plan to install the underlayment to reduce seams, in the same direction of the final floor.
If a leak or flood sits on your floor for 24 hours or more and/or reaches the edges of your floor and seeps underneath your flooring, it likely will need to be dried out completely. Usually, this will mean removing the flooring on-top of your subfloor.
When Should You Replace Subfloors? 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.
A wet subfloor doesn't always need to be replaced, but it must be thoroughly dried and assessed for damage. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry it out. If the subfloor is swollen, warped, or has mold growth, replacement is necessary.
Treat exposed molded subflooring with a mixture of 1 cup of borax and 1 gallon of water or an EPA-registered mold removal product. Spray the solution on the moldy plywood.
Yes. Hardwood flooring is quite sensitive to moisture and it's always worth adding a moisture barrier during installation. It is a necessity with concrete subfloors and damp areas, but water-resistive underlayments should be considered with other subfloors as well.
Use fans, dehumidifiers, or even a wet-dry vacuum to dry water under laminate flooring and the subfloor.
The cheapest way to waterproof plywood is by applying a waterproof sealant or paint. Using water-based polyurethane or oil-based paint/varnish offers effective moisture protection at a low cost.
Applying a coat of epoxy sealant or water-based polyurethane provides effective protection against moisture. Another budget-friendly option is to use oil-based paint or varnish, which can also seal the wood. For outdoor use, consider marine-grade sealants for extra durability.
Plywood can typically withstand rain exposure for a day or two without significant damage, depending on the type of plywood and the severity of the rain. However, long-term exposure can lead to serious damage such as warping, cracking, or rotting.
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.
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.