It’s a labor and time-intensive project requiring a good grasp of construction skills.
In unique instances, it’s possible for you to remove parts of the subfloor without takingdown the wall.
Wall and Floor Basics
Walls and floors are interconnected, creating a structurally tight system.
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Signs you oughta Replace Your Subfloor
Moisture is typically the most common cause of subfloor damage.
This can be from flooding, burst pipes, or leaks.
It can be done, but it takes some effort and patience.
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A safe width to remove is 14 inches since this represents the span between two joists or two studs.
Shut off any affected water lines.
If you have intermediarywater shut-offs, shut the water off there.
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If not, shut off water to the entire house at themain shut-off valve.
Set these pieces aside.
Remove Sections of Drywall
Remove sections of drywall that may extend over the floor covering.
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If this is the case, cut away a section to the required width and about 1 foot high.
Place any trash out of the way in a heavy-duty trash bag.
Remove the Floor Covering
Remove the floor covering directly above the subfloor that you want to remove.
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Also, remove a few more inches beyond to give yourself room to work.
Some floor coverings will lift off easily, while others will require cutting.
You should be able to lift any laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring installed parallel to the wall.
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Remove Any Underlayment
Remove any thin underlayment between the subfloor and the floor covering.
Cut away a section with the utility knife for laminate flooring with foam or felt underlayment.
Cut Away the Nails
Attach the metal-cutting blade to the oscillating multi-tool.
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Cut away all nails that run downward from the bottom wall plate.
This will remove the nail completely, so the subfloor will not get hung up on uncut portions.
The auger bit effectively acts as a saw to cut away at the wood.
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If the edge of the subfloor rests on the joist, the section of the subfloor should pull out.
If not, proceed to the next step.
Otherwise, you will not be able to pull out the section that you are working on.
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Inspect the Joists
Removing the subfloor allows you to get a better look at the joists.
If the joists are damaged, fix them or replace them now.
When using plywood or tongue-and-groove flooring, ensure the joint connection is centered on a joist.
Screw and adhere the plywood to the joists.
The addition of gluing helps reduce squeaking or creaking sounds.
If this is a problem spot, such as one prone to leaks, consider waterproofing.
Smaller subfloor sectionsup to about 14 inches wide between joistscan be cut out and replaced without needing extra support.
The cost to replace your subfloor depends on the amount of subfloor needed and the material used.
Replacing a subflooris not difficult to learn, but it is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
If you notice water damage, it is usually a sign that the subfloor should be replaced.
A water-damaged floor can develop musty smells, creaking, and floor movement.
The subfloor is usually plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or occasionally particleboard.
What’s the Average Cost of Subfloor Replacement?HomeAdvisor.
