Remove Rotten Subfloor Section Glued to Joists or Add Layer of Plywood Subfloor prior to Hardwood Install?
After removing carpeting in preparation for installing hardwood flooring I discovered that I had a water leak that rotted out a small section of OSB subfloor. I fixed the leak, but now need to deal with the subfloor.
The section that was rotten was in the corner of a 4′ x 4′ section of subfloor in the corner of the room, so I figured I’d remove the whole section only to find out after removing the nails that it was glued to the joists. Since it’s glued it seems like it will be a real pain to remove the whole 4 x 4 section. My questions are: 1.) what’s the best way to remove the glued subfloor?; or 2.) should I just lay down a plywood subfloor over the entire OSB subfloor and just go right over the section that was rotten? Any other suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!
p.s. I can show pics, if my description isn’t sufficient.
Replies
4x4?
Not too big to not take out the rotted section-You don't need to take out the half sheet.
Cut out the rot square all sides. Add blocks under the existing osb remaining to catch your patch. Screw the blocks, screw the patch.
Done.
If it falls on a joist-fine. Deal with getting it and the glue off the joist. Chisel, multimaster, sawzall. Clean it up and glue and screw the patch.
Best of luck.