Discover The Top 3 Surefire Signs You Need New Subflooring

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available when you need them most!

The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have experience replacing subflooring in every imaginable condition.

You may have heard that well-maintained subflooring can last the property’s lifespan, but many factors can cause subflooring to break down and become permanently damaged. Knowing when your property needs new subflooring can save you time and money in the long run by preventing more significant structural damage.

Three common signs indicate it’s time to replace your subfloor:

1. Water Damage
2. Warping
3. Squeaking

The following blog post will elaborate on each sign in further detail. Replacing your subflooring is a big job, but it needs to be done from time to time, depending on the age of your home. If you’re noticing any subflooring issues mentioned in this blog post, it’s probably time for a replacement.

What is subflooring?

Subflooring is a layer of material that sits below your flooring and helps to protect your property from the elements. It also provides a stable foundation for your home or business. The subflooring is attached to your property’s joists, the horizontal beams supporting your floors.

In short, your subflooring protects your property from the elements and provides a stable foundation for your home or business.

Plywood is the most common type of subflooring material. Plywood consists of layers of wood glued together. OSB (oriented strand board) is another type of subflooring material. It’s made up of smaller pieces of wood glued and pressed together.

The three signs that it’s time to replace your subflooring

Three common signs indicate it’s time to replace your subfloor: water damage, warping, and squeaking.

1) Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common indicators that you need new subflooring. Water can seep into your subflooring through cracks or holes in your primary flooring; it can also come up through the seams between your subflooring and joists.

If you have water damage, you’ll usually see swelling, discoloration, or mold on your subflooring. In addition, if you have a musty smell in your home or business without visible water damage on the surface, that’s another sign of water-damaged subflooring. Call a water damage company at the first sign of water damage.

2) Warping

Warping is another common sign that you need new subflooring. Warping is when your subflooring bends or curves. Most often caused by water damage, changes in temperature or humidity can also cause it. If your subflooring is warped, you’ll usually see cracks or buckling in your flooring. In addition, your floors might also feel spongy or bouncy.

3) Squeaking

When subflooring starts to break down, it can begin to squeak. Squeaking is usually caused by the subflooring pulling away from the joists. So if your subfloor is squeaking, you’ll usually hear it when you walk on your floors.

Tips to prevent subfloor damage

Preventing damage is the name of the game when prolonging the life of your subflooring. Here are a few tips that can help:

• Inspect your flooring regularly for signs of wear and tear.
• Repair any cracks or holes in your flooring or foundation as soon as possible.
• Use mats or rugs at all entrances to your home or business to help keep dirt and debris out.
• If you have a crawl space, ensure it’s well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.

Replace your subflooring with SERVPRO

If you’re noticing any of the main three subflooring issues mentioned in the above blog post, it’s probably time for a replacement. But don’t worry—you don’t have to do it yourself. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek can take care of everything for you. We have years of experience replacing subflooring, and we’ll ensure the job is done correctly. In addition, we use high-quality materials and equipment, so you can be sure your property is protected, and your property is "Like it never even happened."

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection or for any questions. We’re always here to help!