7 Signs Your Subfloor Needs Repair Before New Flooring Goes Down
· By Glenn Ramos
The subfloor is the layer of plywood, OSB or old planks that your finished floor sits on. You never see it, but every floor you put on top depends on it. A subfloor that moves, dips or is damaged will show through laminate, vinyl, hardwood and especially tile.
Before you spend money on new flooring, check for these seven warning signs.
1. Soft or spongy spots
If the floor gives when you step on it, especially near a toilet, tub, dishwasher or exterior door, there may be water damage. Soft plywood will not hold fasteners and can keep rotting under a new floor.
2. Squeaks that move around
Squeaks usually mean the subfloor is rubbing against nails or joists. A few squeaks are common in older homes, but a floor full of them benefits from screws before the new flooring goes down, because afterwards you cannot reach them.
3. Dips and humps
Lay a long straightedge or level across the floor. Gaps of more than a small amount over several feet will show up in a new floor. Vinyl plank will follow the dip, laminate joints can open and click, and tile can crack.
4. Cracked tile or grout
Cracks running across several tiles often mean the floor below is flexing. Replacing the tile without stiffening the base usually means the new tile cracks too. This is why cement board or a membrane goes down before tile.
5. Gaps between old planks
Many older Massachusetts homes have board subfloors with gaps between planks. Thin flooring can sink into those gaps. A layer of plywood over the planks is often the fix.
6. Musty smells or stains
A musty smell, dark stains on the subfloor, or mold around a bathroom suggest moisture. Find and fix the source before covering it with anything new.
7. Doors that suddenly stick
If interior doors start rubbing at the bottom, the floor or the framing may be moving. It is worth checking before a new floor raises the height even more.
When we quote a floor at PG Solutions, checking the subfloor is the first thing we do, because it decides both the right material and the real price. If you are around Springfield, Worcester or Milford, send us photos and we will tell you what we see.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you put new flooring over a bad subfloor?
- You can, but the problems will show through and shorten the life of the new floor. Fixing the base first is almost always cheaper in the long run.
- How is a subfloor leveled?
- Low spots can be filled with leveling compound, high spots sanded or planed, and loose areas screwed down. Badly damaged sections are replaced.
- Do I need cement board under vinyl plank?
- No. Cement board is for tile. Vinyl plank needs a flat, clean base and sometimes a thin underlayment.
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