How to Level a Wooden Subfloor for Laminate Installation
A wooden subfloor can become uneven for several different reasons. When installing new laminate flooring, the subfloor must be as level as possible. To make the floor level requires identifying the source of any problems and fixing them. Several issues can cause a wooden subfloor to become uneven. The subfloor itself could be deteriorating, or the floor joist could be warped, rotting or getting wet. In extreme cases, a house's foundation could be the source of the problem. There are varying methods to use to solve each problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Use the hammer, chisel and pry bar to remove the subfloor covering. Expose the subfloor to see if it is the cause of the uneven floor. If it is rotting, separating or delaminating it must be replaced. Remove the old subfloor and replace with new subfloor material of the same size and thickness. Use glue and screws to attach the new subfloor to each joist. If the subfloor appears to be in good shape, the floor joist and nearby foundation must be inspected to determine if they are the problem.
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Inspect the floor joist and foundation by crawling underneath the house. Use a bright flash light to look up and down the full length of each joist in question. Look for evidence of moisture such as stains on the wood, puddles under the house or mold and mildew growths and smells. Look for evidence of insect invasion by termites or wood-eating ants. If moisture or insects are present, the source will have to be determined and eliminated before going further in the repair. After the area is completely dry and free of insects, remove all damaged joists and replace with joists of the same size. Use screws to attach subflooring to new joists. Make sure there are no load-bearing walls above a joist before removing it. If load-bearing walls are above the joist, consult a professional or other more detailed resources to make the repair.
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Look closely at the foundation area on which the floor joists are sitting. Look for cracks in the foundation wall, uneven cap blocks or evidence of sinking or damage to the foundation. If the foundation has problems, consult a professional or other more detailed resources to make the repair.
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Tips & Warnings
Water settling under a house can cause floor joists to warp even if the water does not actually touch the joists. The crawl space beneath a house must be kept dry at all times.
Place floor screws according to local building code and subfloor manufacturer's instructions, and make sure the tops of screws are below or flush with the top of the subfloor.
Always take safety precautions and wear proper safety equipment while using hand tools. Structural changes to load-bearing sections of houses can be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.
References
Resources
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