Going to lay 1/4 in. plywood over a vinyl (asbestos) floor. Don’t want to disturb the asbestos. Will lay carpet over the plywood. Want to avoid having squeeks. What nails should I use? Ring shank? How about narrow crown staples (as I heard from one source)?
Thanks, Gary
General Contractor
Minneapolis MN
http://HandyWerks.home.comcast.net
Replies
Drywall screws. Someone said they hold up or down anything except drywall.
YCF Dino
Yeah, I had some thoughts on some short deck screws. I have one of those Senco drywall guns. Supposed to be able to get deck screws for it too.
GaryGeneral ContractorMinneapolis MNhttp://HandyWerks.home.comcast.net
Definitely screw it down. Are you sure you want to use 14 plywood? I've done this before and it seems awful thin. Maybe you can't go any thicker. I think you will have a hard time pulling it down enough to avoid squeeks. If you were to spread an adhesive first it would surely help on the squeek problem.
James Hart
I have done several luan over vinyl jobs like this. Ussualy it is for another layer of vinyl sheet goods. It used to be SOP for that type work b/c removing the old vinyl was labor (cost) intensive.
If the old tile is tight and the subfloor is squeek free, he could use an adhesive and screws. I have used ring shank nails and 1/4"x1" crown staples as well as 1 1/2" galv. screws. All work well.
Screws might be the better choice here, because the tile may be brittle enough to brake if gun nailed or stapled.
Dave
Narrow crown stapler is less likely to split the tile/vinyl than a screw. Especially if its the brittle kind of 12" squares.
I have done this on rental property numerous times, stapled the hell out of the 1/4", and never have squeaks.
Doug
Thanks! to all for your advice.
GaryGeneral ContractorMinneapolis MNhttp://HandyWerks.home.comcast.net
We do this all the time. We use BC ply as luan is not warranted by Armstrong for their vinyl due (they say) dies from the mahogany in the luan that will bleed through into the color of the vinyl. Not sure if its so but we use the recomended just in case.
We used to use screws placed every 8" on a grid now use 7/16" crown staples, 1 1/4" length usually. Then just adhere whatever you want on it. DanT
I think he is doing carpet over the underlayment.
Does Armstrong specify a particular product like they use to?
At one time they specified a GP underlayment grade osb. Stuff was way over priced compared to 1/4"luan, but like you said, they would not warrenty over anything else.
Dave
Acording to the rep the BC is approved, and 3 bucks more a sheet, lol. DanT