Hi All,
I am looking at installing a 3/4″ t&g wood floor over a 3/4″ subfloor. The subfloor has a dip in it that is about 8′ across and is about 1/2″ deep. Has anyone used floor leveler for something like this?
Leveling of the joists is not possible by the way.
Thanks in advance!
tom
Making mitered head casings is a breeze with this simple system.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Yes you can use leveler but note that some brands like for you to build thicker spots in layers no more than 1/8" or 3/16"
Even if you can't get to work on the joists, I would definitely be absolutely sure they are not still going. Add support or whatever, even if it means cutting up a small section of subfloor. Therre is a reason this sag is there so if you don't fix the boo-boo, it'll only get worse. Sounds like somebody didn't know about crowning joists or it's a really old one that has been overloaded for too many years.
Thanks Piffin,
I'll look into those issues.
Tom
I second Piffin's motion to check out the joists before proceeding. How old is the building? Is this floor over a crawlspace? a basement? occupied rooms? Is the sag the result of previous remodeling downstairs? Is the subfloor OSB, ply or plank? If it's plank, are there gaps you can poke a screwdriver thru and check the joists for termite or dry rot damage? Am I asking too many questions? ;-)
-- J.S.
I have used floor leveler dozens of times under carpet but I am not sure you can nail hardwood flooring down over it because it would crack or even bend the nails. you might have to shim up with carpet pad or something else.
good luck,
ANDYSZ2
Maybe with thick coat of cementious but using say, Durhams rock hard water putty would be fine. twenty minute set time.Excellence is its own reward!
Piffin
How big a quantity can you get that and does it mix up like soup so that it self levels.
ANDYSZ2
You could order it in 55 gal drums if you wanted. I get it in tins about two pound, I guess at the yard. Lots of flooring suppliers carry it.
You can mix it soupy. The more water you add, the weaker it can be. You can also mix it stiff as putty to fill nail holes in vertical surfaces if you wanted too. It's easy to mix and work with,Excellence is its own reward!
Piffin, now if I can only find it I'll check out the floor supply places.Sorry about the loss of your dog.
ANDYSZ2
Isn't Durham's the best?!
Having not used all there is, I wouldn't know for sure but it's likely to be first I reach for.Excellence is its own reward!
Once, while learning things the expensive way, I used Bear 50/50 to level a small depression in the floor. I think it was something like $35 or $40 just for that one spot!