Underneath the tiles or hardwood, there is the subfloor. This component of the floor gets little attention, and many people only consider repairing or replacing it when it is full-blown. Depending on the home, the subfloor may be made of oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. Plywood is common in most traditional houses, while OSB is common in modern houses.
Under normal circumstances, subfloors last for decades. However, they can get damaged by moisture and last for as little as 20 years. If your subfloor gets damaged, you should hire a Water Damage Repair Company to fix it. However, if you are daring, you can do it yourself, although it will take you more time. Here is how to go about it:
Assess the Damage
The best way to assess the condition of your subfloor is by examining it from underneath. Find a flashlight and go with it into the basement. Then, cut a piece of the drywall from the ceiling underneath the basement and pull the insulation out. By doing so, you will be able to examine the extent of rot underneath the subfloor. Sometimes you might need to remove a tile, especially if you are using a dry subfloor.
Determine the Cause of Damage
If the damage has been caused by moisture, ask yourself, where is it coming from? If the problem is caused by a structural defect such as a large knot, then that will be easy to fix. Knowing what you are dealing with makes your work easier.
Prevent Leaks Before They Happen
Typically, if the damage is caused by water, it is vital to fix the cause of leaks before proceeding to the next step. Fixing the subfloor before resolving the cause of the problem is doing zero work because water will go through again and affect it.
Fixing the Water Damage
Whether you can resolve the problem yourself will be determined by the extent of the problem. If the floor has been wet for more than two days and there are signs of mould growth, you should probably call the Best Restoration Company in Canada to help you out.
If the damage was the first one, from a heavy spill, for example, you could still salvage your subfloor. Here is how to go about it:
- Expose the floor to fresh air. Do this by removing furniture and rugs from the affected area.
- Remove the ceiling drywall below the damaged area to expose the joists of the subfloor.
- Enhance air movement on the subfloor using box fans. Place one underneath the floor and the other on top of the finished flooring. The box fans will dry up the water before it can cause any damage and encourage mould growth.
- Use a dehumidifier for several days to get rid of any remaining moisture underneath the subfloor.
If there are signs of mould growth in your house, then you will need to replace the entire subfloor. Here is how to go about a replacement:
- Carefully remove the finished floor to expose the subfloor. Remember, the finished floor is reusable once it dries up, so be careful while removing it.
- Assess the damage and remove the damaged parts. Please make sure to get all the damaged parts and mouldy parts on the subfloor.
- Measure the space left after removing the damage and cut a piece of plywood or OSB of the same size and thickness. Test its fit and ensure the ends perfectly meet the joists.
- Use construction adhesive in a caulking gun and run a small bead of it along the joists.
- Lower the replacement of the damaged subfloor and screw it into the joists. Make sure to use as many screws as possible because they provide better hold than nails.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Subfloor?
Replacing a subfloor is an easy and fast job for a professional. It can take him about three hours to do it. However, replacing the entire subfloor takes longer, and it can take a professional up to 24 hours, depending on the size of your floor. This is because the professional has to remove the entire floor before replacing it.
Do I Have to Replace a Wet Subfloor?
No. Not really. If the damage is not severe and the water is dried up within 24 hours, the initial damage does not warrant replacement. Call an expert to determine if a replacement is the best cause of action.
How Do I Get Water Out of the Subfloor?
Absorb the water using rugs and then use a dehumidifier at high settings to get rid of any water underneath the surface.
Wrapping Up
Repairing a subfloor is not a challenging job for a professional, and it does not take him long. However, if you have every tool required and you have the skill, you can do the repair yourself. However, it will take you longer, and the result may not be as perfect as it should. That’s why we always recommend hiring a professional.