How to Repair Damaged Subfloor

The subfloor of a house can be damaged by water or any number of things. One of the most obvious signs your subfloor needs repaired is that it give below the level of the floor when you walk on it. Luckily it isn't difficult to repair a damaged subfloor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. First you will have to remove the flooring over the damaged subfloor. Carpet may be able to be pealed back and replaced, but most coverings will likely be damaged in the process.

2. Locate the damaged subfloor. Usually this will be easy to see by visual inspection. Take a circular saw and set the blade depth to 3/4 inch. Remove the damaged subfloor by cutting a rectangle around it.

3. Remove the section you have cut out with a prybar, claw hammer, cats paw, or combination there of.

4. If necessary enlarge the rectangle so that the edges parallel to the joists fall on the centers of the joists. The center of the joists will be evident by the location of the nails.

5. Measure the distance between the joists, and cut two 2x4s to that length. Nail them into the joists so that the damaged subfloor hole is framed by two joists and the two pieces you just cut.

6. Cut a piece of plywood to the size of the hole in the subfloor. Make sure you use the same thickness material as the damaged subfloor was. Repair the damaged subfloor by screwing it in place with 2" deck screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses when you repair damaged subfloor.