
Whether you're setting up a subfloor in a residential or commercial space, you must pay attention to the installation in order to guarantee its structural integrity. Failure to install a subfloor correctly may result in uneven flooring, warping, bowing, squeaking, or mold growth. Let's look into five common mistakes to avoid when installing a subfloor.
Inadequate Prep Work
One of the most common mistakes people make when laying the subfloor is preparing it improperly. Subfloors must be clean, level, and free of debris before installation. If the surface is uneven or contains moisture, it will compromise the integrity of your subfloor, causing it to decay over time. Clean the surface by vacuuming, sweeping, and removing debris to avoid this mistake. Also, use a leveling tool to create a smooth surface.
Incorrect Fastening
Your team should know which screws and nails to use, including the correct number of fasteners, to ensure a successful installation. If the subfloor is not fastened to the joists, it may flex when walked on, leading to squeaking or warping. Your team must know the difference between bolts and mark sections with enough space in between to keep the surface level while they work. Additionally, follow local building codes for nailing patterns and spacing requirements.
Overlooking Moisture Protection
Moisture is the subfloor's worst enemy. Check that the surface is dry before installation, and use a moisture barrier; it could be a plastic sheet or a specialized underlayment. Using moisture protection on subfloors is especially important if you’re working in a humid area.
Ignoring Subfloor Thickness
The thickness of the subfloor is an important consideration for its strength and durability. A subfloor that's too thin may not be able to support heavy loads, leading to bowing or sagging. On the other hand, a subfloor that's too thick may be awkward to install. Check the manufacturer's recommended thickness before installing your subfloor.
Not Acclimatizing the Subfloor
Another mistake people often make is not letting the subfloor acclimate to room temperature and moisture levels before installation. Subfloors that don’t have enough time to adapt may expand or contract significantly. Depending on the type of wood you use, the subfloor may need to acclimate for a few days or several weeks to ensure the moisture content and temperature levels match the room's conditions.
Avoiding these common subfloor installation mistakes is critical to the safety of a flooring system. Are you ready for an easier installation? We're happy to deliver! Salco provides an outstanding selection of industrial staplers for any project, including our reliable pneumatic stapler for subfloors. Don't start your installation without help from Salco!