What is the easiest way to replace the subfloor?
Angel Jones| Posted inGeneral Questionson
I recently bought a 1970’s model mobile home, and its actually in really good condition. Some neighborhood kids broke out the windows in it, and the rain has caused the particleboard subfloor to bow and swell up into big hills throughout the living room, kitchen and hallways. The floor joists are fine. What is the easiest way to rip up the particleboard without damage to walls or framing? There is no ductwork, no insulation, and we need to replace the plumbing anyway so none of that matters. Thank you for any advice, im doing this on my own for the first time and have no idea what im doing.
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Replies
Angel,
Remove the baseboard. Then cut back the damaged subfloor as close to the walls as possible, using chisels if necessary. (A flush cut saw would be really handy for this job if you can afford one or can borrow one -- seethis websiteorthis website.)
Install 2x4 or 2x6 blocking as required around the perimeter of the room to provide support for nailing the new subfloor. (This blocking should be nailed to the existing joists -- either parallel to the joists or perpendicular to the joists. The top of the blocking should be flush with the top of the joists.)
Then install a new OSB or plywood subfloor, using subfloor adhesive (it comes in tubes and is installed with a caulk gun) and ring-shank subfloor nails.