It’s the middle of winter, and everybody’s inside. You hear every little squeak in your floor as the dog, kids, and your spouse walk (or run) up and down the hallway. What causes it, and what can you do about it? This week, we’ll break down the difference between flooring and subflooring, and help you choose the type of flooring that’s right for you.
What is subflooring?
Subflooring is the structural layer beneath your flooring. It provides a solid foundation for your floor and can be made of plywood, OSB, concrete, or other materials. Plywood is a stronger material and performs better than OSB if it gets wet; however, OSB is about half the cost of plywood. The subfloor is what creates the level surface you walk on everyday, and gives those installing your new flooring something to attach it to.
Signs of a damaged subfloor
Years of wear and tear can catch up to your flooring. Moisture, especially, can wreak a lot of havoc on subfloors. Some easy ways to tell if your subfloor is damaged are:
-Squeaking: Take particular note if you haven’t heard your floor squeak before. Some squeaky floors are normal in an older home, but if this sound is new, it may indicate a problem below the surface.
-Sagging floors: Since the subfloor is what keeps your flooring level, if your floors have started to sag, either visibly or you notice it when you walk on it, you’ve got a problem.
-Odors: If you notice a new odor cropping up, it could be coming from mold in your subfloor.
If you’ve noticed any of these issues with your flooring, you may need a new subfloor. It’s crucial to make sure your subfloor is in good condition before you put new flooring on top of it, since it’s providing a stable base. Hunter Handyman Services is here to help.
Flooring
You probably already know this, but your flooring is what’s actually visible–the stuff you see and walk on every single day, whether that’s carpet, hardwood, tile, or laminate floors. If you’re ready for a change or your flooring has seen some better days, we’re here to help refinish your existing floors or help you choose a new one.
If you’re looking for a new floor, think about the amount of traffic the new floor will need to handle. Enthusiastic pets, kids playing, or chairs scraping will all need flooring that can withstand damage and high traffic. Bathrooms, with their naturally high levels of moisture, require yet another choice. Areas that aren’t used as much can take a flooring meant for lighter traffic. Other considerations include the size of the room, your budget, allergies in the family, considerations for pets, and whether you want a low-maintenance floor.
Rest assured that whatever floor you choose, Hunter Handyman Services is here to help install it. Our trained handymen will also make sure there are no issues with your subfloor. If you suspect there are problems with your subfloor or want to install new flooring, give Hunter Handyman Services a call at (815) 780-7884 for more information and a free estimate.
Comments