Many individuals put a number of deal with the ground end relating to putting in a brand new wooden ground. The end is what offers the shine, the aesthetics, and the ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ issue in spite of everything. Moreover, the flooring end may improve total sturdiness and ease of upkeep. Whereas this step ought to by no means be ignored – there’s one other equally essential step. That’s Subfloor Prep.
Inspecting the Subfloor
As a contractor, step one in any new flooring set up have to be an inspection of the subfloor. Relying on the house or enterprise, there might be various moisture ranges. Earlier than any ground set up
begins, moisture ranges have to be checked, and heating and cooling items have to be operational. As soon as that is decided, your subfloor inspection can start. Step one is deciding whether or not the subfloor is on wooden joists or slab. Then you possibly can proceed with the next checks:
Wooden Joists
- Decide the thickness of the wooden joists to make sure it may be used for wooden flooring.
- Examine the levelness and soundness.
- Decide the relative humidity inside and measure the moisture content material of the subfloor. Solely sure ranges of moisture are okay to start flooring set up.
In response to the Nationwide Wooden Flooring Affiliation’s Set up Pointers, wooden subfloors have to be “flat, dry, sound, clear, and freed from squeaks and any protruding nails or staples.” The rules state that the subfloor shouldn’t have top variations exceeding 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span. Excessive areas ought to be sanded down, and low areas ought to be stuffed in or shimmed. For dryness, the subfloor’s moisture content material ought to be inside 4 p.c of the moisture stage of the acclimated wooden flooring.
Slab
- Decide whether or not the concrete slab’s moisture stage is appropriate.
- Test for a moisture barrier. For concrete slabs, there ought to be a 6-mil polyfilm moisture barrier or equal beneath the slab.
- Decide the age of the concrete slab. Slabs have to be not less than 30 days previous earlier than a moisture check might be carried out (when coping with new builds).
After you will have inspected the development of the subfloor, it is very important decide how a lot prep work can be required. Similar to:
- Eradicating previous flooring
- Flattening or leveling the concrete
- Patching minor cracks
- Sanding
- Alternative of the subfloor
The NWFA pointers state that concrete subfloors have to be “flat, dry, sound, clear, and freed from abrupt highs and lows.” The flatness requirement means there ought to be not more than a 3/16-inch variation in top over a 10-foot span. Excessive spots ought to be floor down utilizing 20-grit (#31/2) paper, and low spots ought to be stuffed or shimmed. For dryness, the subfloor shouldn’t emit greater than 3 kilos of moisture vapor per 1,000 sq. ft inside 24 hours. Moreover, the Nationwide Wooden Flooring Affiliation (NWFA) advises that concrete ought to treatment for not less than 60 days earlier than putting in wooden flooring on prime until moisture checks present that the moisture content material is inside acceptable limits earlier.
Making ready the Subfloor
If the house or enterprise was constructed earlier than the Eighties, be cautious of asbestos in previous vinyl tiles or adhesive. If discovered, there’s a course of for secure removing and remediation that should happen previous to any subfloor prep. Right here is an efficient guidelines to comply with:
Step 1: Clear the Subfloor
Completely sweep and vacuum the subfloor to take away all mud, filth, and particles. A clear floor is
important for the adhesive or underlayment to bond correctly. Additionally be certain to scrape off residue utilizing a scraper to take away any remaining glue, paint, or different residues. This step ensures that the brand new flooring will lay flat and cling correctly.
Step 2: Make Obligatory Repairs to the Subfloor
Should you’re working with a picket subfloor, guarantee all of the boards are securely nailed or screwed down. Unfastened boards may cause squeaking and an uneven floor. Make needed repairs if there are cracks or main harm to the concrete slab.
Step 3: Make sure the Subfloor is Stage
Test the subfloor for levelness utilizing an extended spirit stage or a straight edge. The subfloor ought to be flat inside 3/16 inch over 10 ft or 1/8 inch over 6 ft. Should you discover any excessive spots, sand them right down to create a flat floor.
For low spots, use a leveling compound to fill them in. Comply with the producer’s directions for mixing and making use of the compound.
Step 4: Moisture Take a look at (once more)
You will have already performed a moisture test in the course of the inspection, however it is important to check a second time previous to set up. Wooden floors are delicate to moisture and these ranges can change quickly. Use a moisture meter to make sure the subfloor’s moisture content material is inside the really helpful vary to your wooden flooring.
Should you discover extreme moisture, establish and handle the supply earlier than continuing. This will likely contain enhancing air flow, repairing leaks, or putting in a moisture barrier.
Step 5: Set up Underlayment & Moisture Barrier
Choose an underlayment appropriate to your wooden flooring kind. The underlayment can present a moisture barrier, sound insulation, and cushioning. The moisture barrier is of utmost significance, as concrete will naturally emit moisture within the type of vapor. And not using a barrier, this may trigger harm to the subfloor or trigger the ground to turn out to be warped or uneven.
Varieties of Moisture Boundaries
It is very important adhere to the curing time when putting in a moisture barrier. Sometimes, the advice is to attend 60 days after inserting the barrier to start putting in the brand new ground.
The ‘Rule of Thumb’ for Moisture
The moisture content material of the wooden subfloor ought to be near that of the stable wooden flooring being put in. For strip flooring, the subfloor’s moisture ought to be inside 4 share factors. For plank
flooring, it ought to be inside 2 share factors. For instance, if the strip flooring is at 9% moisture, the subfloor ought to be between 5% and 13% moisture. Additionally, each strip and plank flooring want a layer of felt paper between the ground and the subfloor.
Listed below are the varied sorts of moisture obstacles used:
- Low-end PVC vinyl
- Polyfilm — 6- or 8-mil polyethylene movie in 36-inch or 48-inch-wide rolls
- 15-pound roofing felt in asphalt mastic
- Two-part epoxy
- Rubberized elastomeric membrane
New chemical compounds have been launched to assist velocity up the curing course of, however it is very important learn the producer’s directions for particular moisture obstacles. Beneath are three of the various sorts of moisture barrier choices obtainable at Metropolis Ground Provide.
Improve Wooden Flooring Longevity with Subfloor Prep
Correct subfloor preparation is essential for the profitable set up and longevity of wooden floors. By taking the time to meticulously put together the subfloor, you possibly can improve the sturdiness, look, and total efficiency of wooden floors, offering a stable basis for years of use and pleasure.
At Metropolis Ground Provide, we offer contractors with the instruments and steps they should guarantee high-quality ground set up. For extra questions, contact our group at this time at (800) 737-1786 or by emailing data@cityfloorsupply.com.