Repairing Guides

how to repair rotted subfloor

by Cathrine Breitenberg Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Replace a Rotten Subfloor Under a Wall

  • Assessing the Damaged Floor. First, you need to assess the extent of the damage. ...
  • Preparing and Demolishing the Drywall. Next, you need to determine if you're working with a load-bearing wall. ...
  • Removing Floorboards Under Walls. Now there will be nothing in the way to prevent the subfloor from being completely removed. ...
  • Putting it All Back Together. Now that you're done removing the subfloor, you just need to work backwards as you make repairs. ...

How much should it cost to replace a subfloor?

The cost of your subfloor 1 replacement largely depends on the square footage of the area. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 to $12 per sq.ft. to replace the subfloor in your home. The price you pay depends on where the subfloor is located, the materials used, and whether or not the installer installs the floor around walls.

How to replace a rotten subfloor under a wall?

The supplies you will need are:

  • A saw to cut your subfloor
  • Pry Bar
  • Plywood
  • Tape Measure
  • Galvanized 8D nails or deck screws
  • Screw gun, or nail gun
  • Safety goggles
  • Marker
  • Drywall Jab Saw
  • Hammer

More items...

Do I need to replace my subfloor?

Under normal conditions, a subfloor can last as long as the house itself. However, should a subfloor be damaged or defective, it may only last 20 to 30 years. Should this be the case, a homeowner might need to peel back the layers of flooring and get to work. Here are five signs it’s time to replace a subfloor.

How do you repair a rotten floor?

The Swarthmoor Quaker Meeting House has been impacted by wet rot and woodworm which has seen the main ... The woodworm infestation has also affected the gallery and balcony first floor. “The repair works identified in this application are being carried ...

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How do you fix a rotted subfloor underneath?

3:035:18How to Repair Bathtub Subfloor Damage Underneath in ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr the subflooring. So simply fill it in cut it in fill it in if the damage is bad block underneathMoreOr the subflooring. So simply fill it in cut it in fill it in if the damage is bad block underneath it. And make sure that the blocks are supported properly here's a way you can support the blocks.

How do you fix water damaged subfloor?

How to Fix a Water-Damaged Subfloor: Your 8-Step DIY GuideStart by Stopping the Water. ... Expose the Subflooring. ... Make Your Mark. ... Carefully Cut Subflooring. ... Remove Damaged Materials. ... Speed Up the Drying Process. ... Reinforce Floor Joists. ... Install Your New Subflooring.

Does water damaged subfloor need to be replaced?

The best choice for damaged subflooring is usually to have it replaced — especially if it is growing mold. In severe situations, it may feel like replacing the flooring is the only action you can take.

Can I put new subfloor over old subfloor?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don't respect this thickness of ply, then you're highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

How much does it cost to put in a new subfloor?

Cost to Repair Subfloor*12Subfloor repair, entire room$300 - $400Subfloor replacement, small area$400 - $500Subfloor replacement, entire room$570 - $720*Prices based on a 500-square-foot room for entire room, 100-square-feet for small area1 more row•Mar 24, 2022

Will wet subfloor dry out?

If flooding occurs, and there is water leaking into the sub-flooring, it is crucial to dry out the subfloor as soon as possible. The first step is to absorb any water lurking on the surface of the floor. Then, place a dehumidifier at high settings to pull out any moisture that is still in the air.

Will a plumber replace subfloor?

Yes, plumbers may be able to replace the subfloor. But more suitable professionals are handymen, carpenters, or contractors. Of course, you can do it yourself. Subfloor damage is mostly due to rot, and signs include a musty smell, squeaky floors, cracked tiles, loose fixtures, and sunken floors.

Is replacing subfloor expensive?

On average, replacing an entire subfloor in a 300-square-foot room can cost between $450 – $2,000....Average Cost to Replace a Subfloor. (300 sq. ft)ItemDIYProfessionalTotal$483$6582 more rows•Oct 8, 2018

Can I replace my own subfloor?

If your subfloor is in need of replacement, the damaged portion will need to be completely cut out. This also requires the removal of all floor covering over the problem area as well as the accompanying underlayment materials. The process for this portion of the job will vary based on the type of flooring you have.

What is better for subfloor OSB or plywood?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it's a superior material for use on the subfloor.

Is OSB better than plywood?

Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists.

Do you need 2 layers of subfloor?

That's the usual approach. Almost no one puts down double-thick subfloor in residential applications (for cost and handling reasons), and both layers need to be fastened to joists. Only thin underlayment can be fastened just to the subfloor.

How do you fix water damaged plywood?

3:476:04How to replace water damaged plywood subfloor; DIY NC Floor GuysYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that you can break the plywood down into smaller sections that makes it easier to tear. Out. ThenMoreSo that you can break the plywood down into smaller sections that makes it easier to tear. Out. Then you just use whatever tools you have on hand and some elbow grease and tear.

What happens if water gets under vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring can either be glued to the subfloor or it can float on top of it, and either way, moisture underneath it causes problems. Moisture weakens glue bonds and causes the edges to lift and bubbles to form in the middle. It also deteriorates and softens the vinyl and promotes the growth of mold.

How do I know if my subfloor has water damage?

0:3413:53Floor Water Damage Repair | Repair or Replace? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here DIY are and you're renovating your bathroom chances are you've run into this problem yourMoreSo here DIY are and you're renovating your bathroom chances are you've run into this problem your bathroom is getting renovated because it's so old that things are starting to fall apart. And what

How do I fix my bathroom subfloor?

0:305:46How to replace repair rotted sub floor, rotten floor. Easy! Home MenderYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing I need to do is find out which way my joists are running. I want to reach in and I canMoreFirst thing I need to do is find out which way my joists are running. I want to reach in and I can feel the joist this. Way.

What was the worst subfloor damage?

The worst of the subfloor damage was found with a foot going through the floor. It didn’t take much to dig up some of the flooring, plywood underlayment and the 3/4-in. shiplap that served as the subfloor.

How did Chad complete the subfloor repair?

Chad completed the subfloor repair by “nailing it off” and sealing the gaps at the pipe.

Why did Chad put plywood under the wall?

Chad positioned the subfloor plywood to go under the wall so he could lay out notches for the pipes in the wall. After cutting the notches for the pipes, he positioned the new under-wall subfloor piece to reach the floor joist scab and to leave enough room for the full sheet of plywood subflooring.

Why did Chad put a scab on the floor?

Chad placed a pressure-treated 2×6 scab along one of the damaged floor joists to add strength and to provide a solid fastening area. The scab also provides more area for the new subfloor joints.

Why did they notch the bottom wall plate?

At this point, most of the new subfloor was installed. Since the under-wall subfloor piece was notched for the pipes to slide in from the far side, the plan was to notch the new bottom wall plate so it would slide in from the near side to minimize the notch openings from lining up.

What saw did Chad use to cut the floor plate?

After marking the floor plate with a square, our carpenter Chad cut it with a reciprocating saw so the bad section could be replaced and so the subfloor underneath could be removed.

What is the difference between dry rot and wet rot?

If you want to make a distinction between dry rot and wet rot, this was quite wet, which means that the fungi that caused this wood damage were the types that prefer a wet environment. Dry rot involves less water, but the destructive fungi that cause dry rot still need some moisture to do their wood fiber-eating thing.

How to get rid of rot on wood joists?

If they are wet, leave them exposed for 2 or 3 days so they can dry out. If you see rot, treat it by brushing on a saturated solution of boric acid and water to kill the rot. Let the wood dry.

Why is my bathroom floor leaking?

Subfloor damage in the bathroom usually comes from a leaking toilet, but it can also be the result of a persistent sink drain leak or even a drip behind the walls. If you can catch the leak in time, the floor may just need to dry out, but repairs become necessary when it's so spongy and unstable that it sags or won't support the toilet.

Can you replace a floor framing if water damage occurs?

In extreme cases of water damage, you may have to replace a significant part of the floor framing. This may require the help or advice of a professional contractor.

How to tell if subfloor is damaged?

There are a few telltale signs of a damaged subfloor, including damage to your flooring — look for cracked grout in tile flooring, hardwood that's cupping or laminate floors that appear to have bubbles underneath.

How to check for rotting joists?

To check for rotting joists, look for wet or dry rot, insect damage and rust around hardware near the joists. You can repair joists that have less than 1 inch of rot by scraping away any rotted wood and filling the space with epoxy.

How thick is plywood subfloor?

Plywood subfloors vary in thickness from 5/8 inch to 1 inch. The wider the space between your floor joists, the thicker your subfloor will be. Use a pry bar to pull up your rotted subfloor.

What is a level subfloor?

Level subfloors are key to gorgeous floors. Image Credit: Stephen Paul. You could be walking on the finest tile or hardwood that money can buy, but the truth is that the flooring in your home is only as good as the subfloor beneath it. Sometimes, subfloors made of wood types like plywood or oriented strandboard ...

What are the two types of subfloors?

Two common types of subflooring made from wood materials are plywood and OSB. These two materials may look similar since they are both made of pressed wood, but they are quite different when it comes to how they hold up as a subfloor option. Plywood is made of thin strips of wood veneer that are pressed together using heat.

Can you repair a subfloor?

Fortunately, repairs can be made to these subfloor types rather than fully re placing them depending on the amount of damage to the subfloor material.

Can you replace epoxied joists?

For joists with more than 1 inch of damage, sistering the wood with identical lumber may offer a repair; otherwise, replacement may be necessary .

What to do if subfloor is rotting?

If there is serious wood rot in your bathroom subfloor, the chance is you will need to replace all of the subflooring which often is best left to a professional.

What to do if bathroom subfloor is rotten?

If the rot has gone all the way through the bathroom subflooring and is completely rotten, removing it so it can be replaced will be necessary.

How Do I Know If My Bathroom Floor Is Rotted?

When water leaks or splashes are allowed to continue to accumulate, your flooring in bathroom will continue to absorb moisture, and over time as it remains in contact with the subflooring will begin to cause rot.

Can I Replace The Rotted Subfloor And Flooring Myself?

Replacing your own rotted flooring and subflooring is possible, but will require some specialized equipment and materials. If you feel confident in your ability and have access to the necessary tools and equipment/materials needed, it is entirely feasible to replace the rotted subflooring yourself.

What to do if water damage to bathroom subfloor?

If the water damage is severe and all of the subfloor in your bathroom is completely rotted and needs to be replaced, this will require taking up/sawing out all of the subfloor and replacing it with new sheets of plywood.

How long does it take to replace a bathroom floor?

Replacing a Rotted Bathroom Floor / Subfloor can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours of actual labor time, so you’ll want to plan in advance so you have enough time to finish

What to do if water damage takes over bathroom floor?

In cases of serious water damage and wood rot that has taken over all your subfloor in the bathroom, replacing is the safest route to go.

Can you remove subfloor with a circular saw?

Now there will be nothing in the way to prevent the subfloor from being completely removed. Just as you previously set your circular saw to the precise thickness of the drywall to avoid cutting any wires or pipes, you now need to set the saw height to the thickness of the subfloor. If the floor is so damaged that you can push out a section and examine the thickness, do so.

Can you remove floorboards under walls?

Removing Floorboards Under Walls. Now there will be nothing in the way to prevent the subfloor from being completely removed. Just as you previously set your circular saw to the precise thickness of the drywall to avoid cutting any wires or pipes, you now need to set the saw height to the thickness of the subfloor.

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