A Subfloor Inspection Today Can Save You from Costly Trouble in Future
No matter how stylish and attractive a property looks from the inside out, there could be damages that can affect the integrity of the entire structure. This is mainly true for the damages that go unnoticed because they lie beneath the surface such as damages underneath a flooring system or in the subfloor.
Even if you are not planning a new purchase and facing a squeaky floor in your own house, getting it assessed by a professional is extremely important to resolve the problems at the earliest. Any soft spot in the flooring system needs attention and careful inspection as it could point to damage in the sub-floor.
Before we look into common problems that can occur in the subfloor, let us first learn what exactly a subfloor is and its functional importance.
Subfloor and its importance
The finished flooring forms the top layer, but it needs a stable structure that can be attached to the joists. This structure is called the subfloor. The most common material that makes a subfloor is plywood although oriented strand board can also be used.
The floors of our house are subject to weight load from humans moving on it and from heavy furniture as well. A subfloor is extremely important as it spreads the load over several joists forming the entire flooring area to avoid access weight load at any particular point which can result in damage.
5 Common subfloor defects
1. Termites:
- High levels of moisture in the soil can provide a breeding ground for these pests.
- The proximity of the subfloor to the ground makes it more susceptible to developing termite infestation.
- Asking pest inspectors to look for any signs of termites and getting them treated is very important if you want your flooring to last longer.
2. Dampness
- Blocked ventilation by newly fabricated pathways or an overgrown garden can block the airflow in the region.
- This results in dampness, which can eventually affect the integrity of the entire flooring system if not taken care of in the early stages.
3. Squeaky floors:
- When the builder of the house has not taken care to secure the subfloor with joists adequately, it can result in squeaky floors.
- This can cause friction between adjacent parts and should be fixed immediately.
4. Sinking floors:
- Improper installation of subfloors or excessive moisture can cause the floor to sink or sag.
- This can cause safety hazards if not dealt with.
5. Ineffective insulation:
- Any foil insulation in the subfloor region should be placed away from electric cables.
- It can cause fire hazards and is generally found in old properties only. It is not legal to install foil insulation nowadays.
- If you are buying a property, get it checked for foil insulation and get it replaced.
Our eyes cannot detect the presence of voids and defects in the subfloor or even beneath it. Giving access to professionals for a thorough inspection is essential if you want to get these problems rectified. These inspectors are also experienced and will suggest the best possible solution for the damage after examining it accurately.
If the damage is in a property you are planning to purchase, you can rethink your decision or you can ask its owner to lower down the value of the property depending upon the extent of the defect.