What is subfloor damage?

Author: Dr. Dawn Greenfelder Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Uneven Flooring: If your floor feels bumpy or dips in places, it could indicate that the subfloor has warped or deteriorated under the surface. Visible Water Damage: Stains or warping on your flooring can signal leaks that have penetrated the subfloor, especially around wet areas like bathrooms or basements.

How do you know if a subfloor is damaged?

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.

What does subfloor mean?

Subfloor. The subfloor is the flat, stable surface below the floor covering. The subfloor is nailed to the top of the joists. Most houses have subfloors. The subfloor is typically made of plywood or OSB, ranging from 19/32 inches to 1-1/8 inches thick.

Is subfloor damage covered by homeowners 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.

How much does it cost to replace a subfloor?

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.

How to Remove and Replace a Rotten Subfloor

Is it hard to fix subfloor?

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.

How many years does subfloor last?

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.

Will insurance pay to replace the entire floor?

Dwelling coverage, on your condo or homeowners policy, may pay to repair or replace your floors and carpet if they're damaged by a covered peril. For instance, if your home's floors are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may pay for new flooring, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

Which two are not covered by homeowners insurance?

Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and “wear and tear” are some of the perils that are usually excluded.

Are sagging floors covered by insurance?

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.

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.

What does the subfloor look like?

A plywood subfloor is usually the solid material beneath your floor covering of carpet, hardwood, or vinyl. It usually looks like subfloor panels of plywood but you could also have a concrete subfloor underneath your floor. Waterproofing a subfloor correctly will help prevent subfloor repairs at home.

How long does it take to replace a subfloor?

In addition to materials, you'll need to consider the labor cost of replacing the subfloor. Labor costs typically fall between $25 and $30 per hour. A typical subfloor installation will take a day or two, but it will ultimately depend on the amount of prep work required and any necessary repairs.

Should subfloor be replaced after water damage?

If you have water-damaged subfloors, you'll likely notice your floors are swollen or lifted. They may also feel soft or squishy when stepped on. The best choice for damaged subflooring is usually to have it replaced — especially if it is growing mold.

What does termite damage to subfloor look like?

Signs of termite damage

If termites start to snack on your home's joists or subfloor, you might notice sagging floors — or hear them creak more than usual as you walk on them. Similarly, termites eating away at wall studs and ceiling beams could cause the ceilings and walls to buckle.

What is under my subfloor?

You have the top layer that is your floor covering (Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl, Carpet, etc.), next you have the underlayment (usually a thin layer of fiber, foam, rubber), below that you have your subfloor (plywood, OSB, concrete), and lastly you have the joists which are the foundation to your floors.

What not to say to home insurance?

Avoid Misleading Phrases: Be cautious with your words. Phrases like “I think” or “It might have been” can introduce doubt and ambiguity into your claim. Instead, stick to clear, confident statements that are supported by your evidence and records.

What is the most common damage to your home that insurance does not cover?

Poor maintenance or neglect

In other words, basic maintenance and wear and tear are typically not covered by homeowners insurance.

What home repairs do most insurance cover?

The most common appliances and systems covered by home repair insurance include clothes washers and dryers, ovens and stovetops, refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioning, sewer, and plumbing lines, and electrical systems.

How much does it cost to completely replace a floor?

Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot

The costs can range from less than $1 square foot for laminate flooring to more than $10 a square foot for higher-end brands. That's why the average floor installation varies from $1,000 to $10,000 for a 500-square-foot room.

Does insurance cover poor workmanship?

Your homeowners coverage can act as a safeguard against certain mishaps, such as your contractor causing a fire, or damaging your belongings or your neighbor's property. But your policy won't cover poor workmanship or if you're unhappy with the results.

How do I know if my subfloor is ruined?

9 Common Signs of Subfloor Damage
  1. Your floor is uneven or sunken-in. ...
  2. Your floorboards squeak — loudly. ...
  3. The room smells musty. ...
  4. Your floors shift or bounce when you walk on them. ...
  5. Your toilet is rocking or loose. ...
  6. Your flooring has cracked. ...
  7. Your hardwood floor is cupping. ...
  8. Your linoleum floor is bubbling up.

How much does it cost to repair an uneven subfloor?

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.

Can you replace an entire subfloor?

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.

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