How to Use Plywood to Fix Sloping Subfloors
Sloping subfloors can be the result of water damage. Water can get into your house or leak from somewhere in your home and cause damage to the subfloor. Over time, the water-damaged subfloor can begin to sag and slope. This is not good for the foundation of your home. The best way to fix the sloping subfloors is to install new plywood along the floor joists. This will help add support to the floor and strengthen it in the process. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Spray paint
- Chalk line
- Circular saw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Construction adhesive
- Caulk gun
- Power drill
- Drywall screws
- Safety goggles
Instructions
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1
Inspect underneath the subfloor in the basement and determine the area where the sagging is taking place. Find that spot on the first floor and remove the carpet or other type of flooring that is covering up the subfloor.
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2
Poke the plywood subfloor and look for mushy spots. Mark all of the spots with spray paint. Snap a chalk line and square off the area.
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3
Cut along the chalk line and remove the damaged plywood with a circular saw. Line up the blade of the circular saw along the chalk line and adjust the blade to a depth 1/8-inch deeper than the thickness of the plywood. Follow closely along the line and pull up the damaged subfloor.
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4
Cover the area with a new piece of plywood. Measure and mark the plywood with a pencil and cut it to size along the marked line. Run a bead of construction adhesive over the joists where you will be setting the plywood.
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5
Set the plywood into the opening and verify that it fits together properly. Push down so it can adhere to the construction adhesive and insert drywall screws with a power drill spaced every eight inches through the plywood and into the joists.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety goggles when you are working with a circular saw. This will help protect your eyes from flying pieces of wood or other debris.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
