A Guide on When and How to Replace Subfloors

The subfloor in a property is the foundational layer beneath finished flooring, providing support and stability. So, it is vital not to overlook it.

There are various common reasons why replacing subflooring may become necessary, such as water damage, a high level of wear, or structural issues.

In this article, we will outline the essentials of when and how to replace a subfloor.

What Is a Subfloor and Why Is It Important?

A subfloor is the solid material that forms the base layer underneath finished flooring. Spanning the floor joists, the subfloor is critical to a home’s flooring system.

The subflooring provides a stable base for finished flooring, and it is vital for resisting moisture and maintaining structural integrity

Signs Your Subfloor Needs Replacement

If you’re wondering when to replace a subfloor in your property, keep a lookout for these key indicators. Their presence may suggest that the subflooring is damaged and should be replaced

Squeaking Or Creaking Sounds:

A subfloor that persistently squeaks or creaks could be trying to tell you that it needs to be replaced. Such noises are classic signs of a subfloor that is deteriorating or warped.

Soft Or Uneven Spots:

If your floor has saggy or bouncy areas, perhaps with visible dips, this could point to the structural integrity having been compromised – and a new subfloor being essential.

Water Damage and Mould Growth:

Moisture exposure – arising from circumstances such as leaks or flooding – can lead to rot, mould, and degradation of the subfloor. Water-damaged wood can lose strength, which can even heighten the risk of the floor collapsing.

Persistent Flooring Issues:

Do you keep noticing recurring problems with your property’s surface flooring, such as the floor cracking or lifting? If so, this could be a further signal of subfloor damage.

Why Hire Professionals for Subfloor Replacement?

Our advice at The Flooring Group, is to always arrange for professionals to install your replacement subflooring, instead of trying to do it the “DIY” way.

DIY attempts at replacing subflooring can bring risks such as uneven installation and accidental damage to joists.

The subfloor replacement process brings very real technical challenges. This necessitates professional expertise, and the use of specialised tools and techniques.

Place your trust in professionals who know how to replace subflooring, to ensure the utmost safety, a high-quality outcome, and compliance with the UK building regulations.

The Professional Subfloor Replacement Process

Here is the systematic approach we, the professionals, take in subfloor preparation and installation.

Inspection And Assessment:

Professionals typically begin by removing the existing flooring to expose the subfloor. They then assess the extent of the damage and identify the underlying causes.

Removal Of Damaged Subflooring:

Safe and efficient techniques are used to remove damaged sections of the subfloor. This typically involves the compromised sections being carefully cut out with a circular saw, set to the subfloor’s thickness to avoid cutting joists.

Preparing The Surface:

The experts then clean, level, and reinforce the base for the new subfloor. This entails them cleaning and inspecting the joists for damage, and repairing or reinforcing them if necessary.

Installing The New Subfloor:

The new subfloor material can finally be measured and cut to fit, before being secured to the joists using screws or nails. The professional methods used to fit and secure the subfloor will help prevent future issues.

Post-Installation Inspection:

The professionals conclude their work by checking that the new subfloor is even and smooth. This confirms that it is sound and ready for the finished flooring.

Tips For Maintaining Your Subfloor

As a homeowner, there are various maintenance steps you can take to help extend the lifespan of your subfloors.

These steps include – but are not limited to – arranging to have your subfloors inspected annually, and cleaning up any dirt or spills promptly.

As a general rule, however, any regular inspections and maintenance work on your subfloors should be entrusted to professionals to ensure the best possible results.

Conclusion

The question of when to replace a subfloor is a critical one. So, you should keep a vigilant lookout for the aforementioned indicators of damage.

By addressing any subfloor damage as soon as you suspect it, you can help avoid future issues. Hire professionals to guarantee a safe, durable, and effective subfloor replacement.

To learn more about our own flooring expertise and how we can help, please contact The Flooring Group today. You can call us on 0207 609 1234.