The Foundation of Perfect Flooring: Complete Subfloor Guide

You can buy the most expensive hardwood in the world, but if you install it over a bad subfloor, it will fail. Squeaks, separation, hollow spots, and bouncing are all symptoms of poor subfloor prep. At DuraRoots, we consider the subfloor the most important part of the job.

Flatness vs. Levelness

A floor doesn't need to be perfectly "level" (like a pool table), but it must be "flat." Industry standards typically require a variance of no more than 3/16 inch over 10 feet.

• Humps: High spots on concrete must be ground down with diamond grinders.
• Dips: Low spots must be filled with self-leveling compound or patch.

Moisture Management

Concrete is porous and releases moisture. If you cap that moisture with a new floor, it builds pressure. We test every slab. If moisture is high, we apply a specialized moisture barrier (epoxy or plastic) to prevent the floor from cupping or the adhesive from failing.

Wood Subfloor Repair

On raised foundations, plywood can rot or come loose. We re-screw the subfloor to the joists to eliminate squeaks before they are buried forever. We also sand down swollen seams to ensure a flat surface.

Conclusion

Subfloor prep isn't the sexy part of renovation, but it's the insurance policy for your investment. Never skip it.