The important thing about choosing the new material is to make absolutely sure that it is of the same thickness as the original subfloor. @isherwood it is most likely MDF or a high density particle type board. Cottage Chic Decor Is hiring a general contractor good or is there some that specialize in MH repair? You should get the warped MDF subfloor replaced as soon as possible but before you do that you need to find out what warped it and make sure that is repaired first. In case youre wondering, that is A LOT! Tongue and groove sub-flooring material makes much stronger joints that wont sag. This site is protected by wp-copyrightpro.com, link to New Manufactured Home - Buying Process, link to Buying And Installing A New Manufactured Home (Part 2) - Finding The Right Location, Remove The Damaged Portion Of The Subfloor, Attach Floor Joist Supports For Subfloor Replacement, Replace Missing Subfloor Section With New Material, Replace Flooring Over The Repaired Subfloor, Remove the damaged portion of the subfloor, Attach floor joist supports for subfloor replacement, Replace flooring over the repaired subfloor. Floor covering comes in several materials, such as hardwood, tile, carpet, or vinyl. The only downside is you most likely have to have it professionally installed. You want to protect the subfloor and studs from water at all costs. There are a few things to keep in mind when painting your subfloor. The most difficult parts of the job are removing the old flooring, building out the perimeter joists, and keeping everything level. I prefer a exterior grade plywood with one side sanded (up) but have also used the OSB. I prefer to use the sistering joist method, as it is easier to install. Best of luck! How to match a specific column position till the end of line? What Is the Difference Between 'Man' And 'Son of Man' in Num 23:19? There is only around 18 between belly and ground at one end. When cutting the plywood for the replacement areas, make sure to take careful measurements and try to get the fit as tight as possible. The level sensors in your feet will pick up very easily on any uneven areas in your new floor. Bathroom closets are often catch-alls for anything and everything remotely related to self-care. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. ), I want to enjoy the rest of my life, and hopefully do some art work and sewing that I have put off. I was so tempted to leave it too but basically committed now. Id also like to add an addition, as well as put it on a permanent foundation, then eventually replace the roof with a metal roof. Sealing out moisture, whether from the roof, windows, doors, floor, skirting or ground is necessary to prevent buildup of dampness and mold. It is best to use 5/8 plywood as the most common subfloor material. I assume you have a flat roof so you have a few different options (rubber, metal). If you're having trouble finding something close you could always go with the particle board again. Your email address will not be published. I love the layout and really want to try and save it. When you have water damage in mobile homes, usually they have particle board and needs to be removed completely. Several of them have recommended removing portions of the existing floor and replacing it with new plywood. A pneumatic stapler and galvanized staples. A rented toe kick / flush cut saw makes it much easier to cut sub-flooring right next to walls and cabinets. Related Content: How Much Weight Can Plywood Support? We featured the home here. I am good at redoing the inside of a place, but know nothing about out side walls, elec, plumbing. Its a double wide made into a triple wide, by Adding 12ft in the middle of the double wide. Best of luck! However, using the proper underlayment provides a smoother surface for top layer installation. Bleach and a mold destroyer are usually all you need. If you live in a manufactured home with a particle board subfloor you will likely need to replace it eventually. Before embarking on your DIY flooring journey, its essential to understand the different components of flooring. He was using screws for wood and we know the floor underneath is particle board with many staples in it. Is Glue down better. If you are installing a hardwood floor covering, you should utilize a plywood underlayment. Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess Ill just sum it up what I had written and say, Im thoroughly enjoying your blog. and Ill be educated when looking for a repair man for help. Its hard to mess up a project like this. I'd bet that it has 1/2" plywood underneath. I am hoping someone will be able to give me advice on how to proceed with my project. Plywood is recommended and approved as an underlayment by almost all flooring manufacturers, including resilient flooring like vinyl ( source ). Required fields are marked *. Avoid pressed wood all together (OMB). Hope this helps. Thanks, sounds like a good idea to me. If you do it, be sure to seal around the wood inside your vents (with mastic and the shiny aluminum tape). Where should I begin? His opinion is that the subfloor has warped, mostly because we live in a humid climate and the lack of a/c over two+ yrs time added to the problem. I wish you the best! Sub-flooring should be laid in the same direction as the original, usually opposite the direction of the joists. Youll need to remove the floor covering, then the subflooring (without damaging or cutting anything else). However, I think you may be confusing subflooring and floor covering. The only solution is to find and fix the water leak and then replace the damaged floor. Craigslist or Angies List may be a good place as well. Given that the new floor will be resting on the existing particle board, what thickness do I need and should I go with plywood or OSB? that share the same interest. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. This article can give you some good ideas for help, http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/faq-mdf.htm, http://www.care.com/housekeeping-creating-a-toxin-free-home-p1017-q14637.html, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/csp, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/mhdrp. Your floor covering is what is visible to you and your guests. Your video and written articles have really helped me what to look for. This means you will need to add a 2 x 4 between the original joists so you have a place to nail and glue down the plywood. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Vinyl will usually need to be cut around the perimeter of the room and tile will need to be ripped up. Id get a pro to take a look and see what he would do and how much it would cost. Chances are very slim that a homeowner can find a floor plan, construction plan, or schematics for their particular mobile or manufactured home model. Its reduces heat loss and helps add structural security to the home (walls do too, of course). I would call your local mobile home supply store and ask them for references. That is absolutely the case when it comes to getting rid of dampness and mold inside of a mobile home. More resources about mobile home subflooring: Ask an Expert Questions about Replacing Floors in Mobile Homes, Ask a Mobile Home Expert Questions about Mobile Home Subfloors. All rights reserved. As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living! Heres a video showing how to use a circular saw to cut out subflooring in a mobile home: If your flooring is 3/4 set your circular saw to that and follow the perimeter along the edge of the room. Once you locate where the joist(s) are, then you can use the saw to cut along the side of the joist. Repairing holes and painting. Secondly, tile is a great addition to bathrooms but when installing tile in bathrooms or laundry areas it must be installed correctly with proper pans and liners. This should be a top priority. Advantages of Manufactured Homes Redoing the align environment with a specific formatting. Identify those arcade games from a 1983 Brazilian music video, Recovering from a blunder I made while emailing a professor, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. Three lawyers refused to help me saying real estate was an investment that I could resell. Try to find the closest thing. What is the correct way to screw wall and ceiling drywalls? Joists are usually made from dimensional lumber and carefully placed to maximize support. Of course, if you have any questions feel free to add them in the comments and Ill do my best to help. I do see a lot of rotting in several areas outside at top of sliding. Cottage Chic Decor Cork vs. Rubber Underlayment: Which One Is Better? Now I have a much bigger problem where larger areas of the subfloor needs is be replace. Most newer homes now use a higher grade plywood or OSB because it can withstand water better. Soft spots are less common in newer homes that have plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) subfloors. In the image below, the homeowners just cut the perimeter and left the original subflooring under the wall. When A/c is on all day and night thats when the condensation start and soak the subfloor ALOT eventually causing it to Rot. Underlayment is supposed to act as a moisture barrier to protect your floor covering from water damage. I added some links and additional information on your other comment so hopefully you get both of my replies. help! It doesnt have any water damage but I dont feel comfortable with these dips. Hope that helps! Those that recommend patching mat be seeing that the thickness of the two boards will cause interference with your interior doors. Heating and Cooling Since we have high ceilings, he said removing the existing subfloor was unnecessary in his opinion, because the joists themselves arent damaged. The process is pretty similar. Why is this sentence from The Great Gatsby grammatical? We had to chisel and sand each and every one. What is less obvious is the breakdown of the subfloor that hasnt yet caved through. As long as you are getting thick high-quality plywood or even OSB (anything except MDF / particle board) your home should be fine. We did the entire home (697 sq. If you are installing a hardwood floor covering. Glad you are remodeling and updating your home. Remember the old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? This extra layer provides additional support as well as a smooth surface for floor covering installation. Nails won't grip the particle board, but screws do a better job. The cross support of the H will be securely screwed into the sides of the H before installing the H into the floor. Remember, wiring and piping should be above the insulation so that the heat from the home can get to it. Lay plywood over floorboards by leaving about 1/8 inch between the plywood and the wall. IU always have to tell my visitors to watch their step since we removed the rails. No matter where you live, it rains! Your web site has been the most helpful site Ive ever found. rev2023.3.3.43278. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. are all great floor covering for a kitchen. Thank you for creating a well researched & informative article for the DIY population. have been tenderness in helping us with our goal. The planks look beautiful, the flooring is floating and a little flexible. http://www.care.com/housekeeping-creating-a-toxin-free-home-p1017-q14637.html. Coastal Decor Before replacing the subfloor material, the joist support area underneath will need to be modified. Do you think I would be okay ripping out laminate, putting 1/2 inch plywood on top of pressed board floor and then putting a foam insulator and then putting new thicker wood laminate? Let me know how it goes! Make sure to keep them just in case you decide to remove the chair rail in the future. Installation and Setup They have 38 state administrative agency offices (I think thats the number) and then the national offices in DC. DIY Projects How to Add Plywood It's best to vacuum the particleboard first to help the glue adhere. In my experience, when you start working on a home you will always find more things wrong with it than you planned (especially after removing the flooring or paneling after a leak). From what I understand, all manufacturers have to pay a certain amount toward this program so that people can get help. The only concern I have is that the risers feel a bit loose. Using this method is generally easier to install the cross support 1/2 under the existing subfloor. Patching small gouges? Oh my goodness! All while not damaging belly wraps or insulation and getting the right cuts. If youre looking to install new floors, installing a plywood underlayment can be an easy and fun DIY project! Thank you for catching that, Milton! Ive lived in my 79 mobile home (double wide) for 27 years. A 4 x 8-foot sheet of 3/4-inch-thick subfloor-grade plywood sells for about $21.50 at home improvement centers. I am doing this (some of it myself) hoping to find someone to help and not charge a arm and leg. These projects usually end up leading me to searching for information. Jhinust stumbled upon you today and had to write in another section asking about screening a patio. Im not really familiar with epoxy flooring systems but I do not recommend crossing the marriage line with any kind of tile though because of shifting possibilities. Plywood and OSB come in 4 x 8-foot sheets that are typically 3/4 inch thick. Your particle board doesnt look like its in terrible shape. Usually, every home more than 10 years old has developed a soft spot or two in the floor. Particle board has almost never been considered a structural product. Holes, of course, are obvious. Maybe, if the doors can still open and close with that second layer and the initial subfloor are healthy you may be able to do that Id have someone check it out to make sure it can be done. Be a source that they can turn to on a topic. That could do the trick for a good long time I would imagine. The joists arent the flat floor layers youre accustomed to seeing inside your home. So try to keep at a 1/2 inch maximum. Purchasing a new manufactured home is very different from the process of buying a motor vehicle. I love plank floating floor its perfect for mobile homes as long as its installed correctly and has the foam glued to it already (another foam floor pad may help as well). Does your flooring bounce or have any bows or bubbles? It is necessary that all edges of the new subfloor are supported underneath and can be attached with screws. This may keep it from forming a proper bond. DO MOBILE HOME ROOF COATINGS REALLY WORK? Also make sure the seams of the plywood are staggered from the seams of the particleboard. Would they be 16 on center or are they farther apart. Step 4: Acclimate Plywood. Manufactured home builders construct homes in layers. Simply installing plywood over the top of a subfloor is a simple process. Chapters 00:00 Tools needed for the job It is stuff like this that is so frustrating when it comes to home buying (and it happens in site-built homes too). Thanks! advised at this time by a general contractor.. Im not sure about luxury vinyl (Ive never been able to afford it). There are four common types of subfloors, plywood, concrete, OSB (oriented strand board), and particle board. The plywood seams should meet over subfloor joints to ensure proper support. We store towels, medicine, toiletry supplies, first-aid gear, massage devices, facial steamers, spare Painting your garage is a great way to improve the look of the space and make the walls easier to clean. From what Ive read it seems you may be able to use a non-toxic paint or sealant over the board to stop the fumes from releasing. Still, if you have a soft spot or bowing in any area its bestto replace the subflooring in a mobile home quickly before it causes further damage. Image Credit: architectphd/iStock/GettyImages I have researched quite a bit for you and think I can at least point you in the right direction. The home inspector advised her of the following: Sub-floor membrane a.k.a. What questions do I ask to make sure they are they best for the job? If it looks sturdy and youre satisfied, you can take this project on. plywood over particle board subfloor in mobile home. Installing plywood underlayment is a relatively straightforward undertaking. Your home is probably the same way. Heres contact information on their website, perhaps if you can call your state office (if there is one in your state) you may be able to get some kind of help, especially if the fumes released surpass a certain number of measurement. They will at least know which local companies will work on manufactured housing and thats a good start. I knew that overall, the finished product would be far more level and feel more solid. Was the project done within the budget? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. The toilet was leaking for some time and I didnt notice until I saw that the floor looked kind of warped. You want to give water a place to go away from the home. Floor covering comes in several materials, such as hardwood, tile, carpet, or, A circular saw a hand saw, or any other saw that is suitable for cutting wood. Plywood sheets are an engineered wood product made by binding thin layers of wood veneer together with resin under high pressure and heat and then rotating each layer 90 degrees in a technique known as cross-graining. Mobile Home Parks Ive done this job before in a mobile home and in a few stick frame houses due to pet damage (everywhere) and water damage in bathrooms. If I were you I'd keep those risers there. As it turns out, we discovered water damage and so the entire floor needed replacing. Id love to share your project with our readers, it could help a lot of people. What Is the Difference Between 'Man' And 'Son of Man' in Num 23:19? The underlayment under the floors are a great help with squeaks and such but I dont think it has a very good R-value? For bathroom or kitchens consider marine-grade plywood. OSB absorbs less moisture, but plywood dries out faster and more completely. Thank you, Barry! Decorating Tips The trick is to call their previous projects and see how the process went. Crystal Adkins You will likely have the best luck finding someone by calling your local mobile home supply store. My floor in front of my door wall is damaged from water and pets. You won't save a ton over the OSB (it may actually cost more), but it'll result in less of a height difference and has a nicer finished surface. If you are adding wainscoting you will cut and remove the entire bottom section. If your in a bathroom or kitchen area hardybacker or cement board is the better choice. Dont want tile anymore, but love the look. Thanks in advance. After cleaning, you will install the plywood over the subfloor one sheet at a time. Please give me the Best Advice. I guess my best blogging advice is to just be helpful. My little dog and I suffered together, and before the year was out, he died of lung cancer. The previous owners renovated a lot of the inside as well as put hardy plank on the outside. Does ZnSO4 + H2 at high pressure reverses to Zn + H2SO4? Is it possible there may be some agencies available who do this type of repair for disabled seniors at a discount? It only takes a minute to sign up. Plywood and particleboard are both engineered building materials. I don't have enough of the particle board down yet to know whether or not they're glued or just 'floating'. Even worse is the feeling of sponginess as you walk across them. The point I am trying to make is, those improvements were easily done . Most subfloors are either 3/4 or 5/8 thick. I see where electrical lines are. Don't mop the floor, as it can absorb the water and damage the particleboard. Or does heat get under the flooring from the heat duct? Im still really impressed with the cheapest laminated floating floor that we bought at Lowes. Living and Dining Rooms Real Estate You will probably need to replace subflooring in a mobile home eventually, especially if its an older home or you have encountered a leak. My single wide has a raised kitchen and I love it but I completely understand why youd want to get rid of it. It very well may be more affordable and less hassle for you to spend your money on a house that has been at least partially updated. There is also a composite type ceiling which Id love to replace with drywall, as well as all the paneling throughout the entire home. You can add a layer between your subfloor and your floor covering, known as an underlayment. Im searching for info on ceiling replacement. Chuck started investing in, buying, renovating, selling, and flipping manufactured homes both in parks and on their own fee-simple lots. Screwing the subfloor down tighter against the joists usually helps but if the subfloor is bowed or doesnt have enough support in an area it may need to be shimmed between the floor and the joist. (The home has been inspected and his opinion has been verified.). Is it suspicious or odd to stand by the gate of a GA airport watching the planes? Sand those risers to get rid of the glued particle board remaining on them. When ripping it up it looks like it was screwed and glued onto risers (planks of wood - not sure what they're called). To install the second layer like a subfloor, lay it perpendicular to the first layer. If you are replacing the wall and the floor anyway you may want to install a regular size door (available at Lowes or Home Depot) it may be cheaper than buying the special manufactured home size doors. The previous owners built a porch right up to the mobile home and every time it rains or ice melts the water goes under the wall . At Lowe's, you'll find OSB in a range of sizes and types so you can find the right board for . Landscaping I decided that I wanted to remove it and replace it with plywood. Im a novice what-to-be carpenter/builder. Good luck! Roofing The subfloor is responsible for holding up all of the things in your home, from people to furniture to the different layers of the floor. I bet your floors look great hardwoods are gorgeous! Mobile Home Repair has a forum that covers all kinds of topics. If the top layer of my subfloor is structurally sufficient, can I skip patching plumbing holes in the bottom layer? Is there a special way or certain screw type needed? First, the hanger is secured to the the floor joists. Sorry, I cant help much. My husband was putting in some wood strips between the vinyl floor and the carpeting and the screws were bending rather than going in. You wont want any kind of bulge so if its just the chair rail and not wainscoting youll just cut out the section where the rail will be installed. The first is if you use too thick of board your walls bottom plate gets the amount of exposed wood available for access reduced. I know thats a lot of work but it would be cheaper to paint or stain the material than to replace it all. If you can afford water resistant marine plywood for your kitchen, laundry, and bath that would be a good idea. Farmhouse Decor How can I level a floor with uneven joists? First, I found this website that talks about MDF and employees that have to work around it. Do you have any suggestions for rookie In another recent home that we did, there had been a leak in the laundry room and the subfloor was damaged in that room, as well as into the hallway and bathroom. It sounds very scary and Im so worried its not that simple. Its definitely been a learn as I go experience. It is an easy process and you simply do it one sheet at a time. Isherwood most folks don't know the difference between particle board and OSB. You can re-roof your home at a fairly affordable price. Its a great idea as long as it doesnt interfere with tubs, toilets, and doors (there are ways around that, of course, but it can be a hassle). Therefore, adding an extra layer of flooring on top of your subfloor can help create the floor of your dreams! Ive been slacking on the comments lately. Does this mean we take out the subfloor from the living room and replace it with plywood? Id also like to move a few walls and reorganize the 1/2 bath, laundry and redo the entire full bath. Best of luck! I am installing vinyl flooring and noticed the particle subfloor was rotten in a spot. There is probably some kind of clause somewhere that stipulates all formaldehyde complaints have to be made within a certain amount of time (or something similar). I prefer a exterior grade plywood with one side sanded(up) but have also used the OSB. I was told to insulate between each floor joist and reinstall be blatter bag underneath and put plastic on the entire Ground underneath the mobile home. Joists are usually made from dimensional lumber, you should utilize a plywood underlayment. You will install the new belly wrap after you finished with the insulation (while youre under there make sure your duct work is tight). The top right corner of the wider picture is (for a lack of a better word) mushy. Energy Efficiency However, the outline of the joists were visible within a week and after about a month the flooring cracked over a small soft spot. Over the years weve settled into a great niche, mobile homes and retirement properties. We are in process of DIY renovating it. It also makes it hard to use floor adhesive, such as with laminate or tile, because the particleboard tends to absorb the moisture from the adhesive. Doors and Windows Phil goes through how to put extra support, and ways to prevent those irritating humps in your floor. If not, then perhaps you can pay the contractor to fix the subfloor before venturing on your own to add another layer of plyboard. Since youve already replaced it you shouldnt have to worry about it for a very long time. When we finished, the floor felt very solid throughout. My skill set is about the same as yours..lol..any words of encouragement. This would be a good time to replace the shower alltogether! If it can be done either way, which is easier? easy to install . Problems With Putting Wood Flooring Over a Crawlspace, How to Use Engineered or Prefinished Hardwood Flooring. If your in a bathroom or kitchen area hardybacker or cement board is the better choice. My distant and impaired brother-in-law in Boca Raton FL has been told that his mobile homes vapor barrier and sagging floors need replacement. You'll start laying plywood over floorboards by putting a square in the corner and leaving about 1/8 inch between the plywood and the wall. If you space the joists farther apart than that, you will want. Related: How to Replace Flooring in a Mobile Home. Porch and Decks our step-by-step guide to replace flooring in a mobile home here. When the renter left, I decided to remodel the home and sell it. If there isnt its probably best to just cut the damage out and replace it. or hire someone :)? They see something that is not plywood and call it particle board. There was many leaks in previous years and several soft spots on the floors. Best of luck! Bad toilet rings and damaged water supply lines are other common source of leaks in mobile homes. Thank you. One last question - what kind of plywood would you recommend? Hopefully, this article will give you enough information toreplace flooring in a mobile home yourself. If you are doing the work yourself you can save a lot of money but if you will have to hire it out it could get very expensive, very quickly. Or, of course, theres always the choice of renting tools too. Once any needed supports for the floor joists are in place, it is time to replace the actual subfloor. Is this true? He recommends laying the new subfloor over the existing subfloor, then finishing with the flooring of my choice. You should be able to find a suitable siding at a good price, sheet metal comes in all kinds of different colors these days. The subfloor seems to be in good condition and goes over a crawl space, with the only issue being furniture, etc "shaking" a bit when walking around. locations, especially under the master bathroom shower pan area. Prior to installing any finished flooring, it is important to remember: Re-secure any loose wood subfloor planks, OSB, or plywood subfloors to the floor joists using 2-1/2" deck screws. Try Mobile Home Parts Store. Im on disability and cant afford to keep hiring someone to redo the same job. NOTE: When placing sheets, they should rest comfortably next to one another. What should I use to overlay a particle board subfloor in my mobile home? Particleboard, on the other hand, has not improved . The pan that was under it had a crack so the water seeped through. If your existing floor is in fair shape both plywood and OSB staple or screw down nicely for living rooms, bedrooms, and halls.