Or, of course, theres always the choice of renting tools too. As always, thanks so much for reading Mobile Home Living! Try to find the closest thing. Tile over 2x6x1.5 T&G subfloor, spanning 48" beams. But I just cant figure out where to start cutting the floor without ruining it or making things worse. If your house has a concrete slab and no joists, then the slab is considered your subfloor. However, using the proper underlayment provides a smoother surface for top layer installation. Replacing the subfloors can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but you can strengthen your subfloor without removing the particleboard by laying plywood on top of it. You would frame it up with 2x4s (at whatever measurement you need to account for the plywood and make it even with the rest of the home). Required fields are marked *. or hire someone :)? For many years, mobile homes have been constructed withsub-flooring made of particle board which is made from sawdust and glue that essentially acts like a sponge when it gets wet. Use caution so you dontcut a joist. Im not knowledgeable about HVAC but you may want to get an expert to check the system out to make sure it has the proper venting. Well deal with all of those issues in the step by step process below. There are a few things to keep in mind when painting your subfloor. Patching small gouges? Waterproofing Particleboard subfloor - Fine Homebuilding Theres a tool list as well. Ive replaced floors, but putting batts of insulation down on the saggy plastic doesnt seem a good idea. Carpets will only absorb the moisture and ultimately harm the floor covering. Plywood underlayment isnt water-resistant. Floors Walls and Ceilings Seeing if anyone can answer me this. Before the pandemic, the manufactured Buying And Installing A New Manufactured Home (Part 2) - Finding The Right Location. I didnt know I had to spend money to replace the subflooring also..ugh! Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. It is one of the greatest and least expensive ways to extend the life of your roof; keeping your home dry and cooler. All rights reserved. NOTE: Some plywood consists of one rough side and one smooth side. Hello, you dont necessarily need it for structural integrity. Hmmmcan you send me a photo of your subflooring and maybe get a measurement of the thickness. First, the hanger is secured to the the floor joists. This site is owned and operated by Mobile Home Friend LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Arizona, USA. are all great floor covering for a kitchen. Oriented strand board (or OSB board), is an engineered wood made of pressurized wood strands and adhesives that offers exceptional strength and performance. Then plywood, particleboard or OSB is placed on top of the wood frame to create the subfloor, also called the decking. Dont want tile anymore, but love the look. Wed like to put down something very sturdy. Please, help me. Landscaping basically how much to replace a living room15x24. However, if you anticipate moisture on the carpet, such as from pet potty accidents or children spilling drinks, the particleboard under the carpet could be ruined. The joists arent the flat floor layers youre accustomed to seeing inside your home. Step 4: Acclimate Plywood. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Hi there! Financing and Insurance It sounds very scary and Im so worried its not that simple. Best of luck! Plywood or OSB subflooring is installed over joists, the horizontal wood members that make up the skeleton of a wood floor frame. All About Subfloors - installing flooring over various sub-floors Your floor consists of joists, subfloor, underlayment, and floor covering. When installing tile flooring, you need mortar and grout, which will likely soak into the plywood. There are four common types of subfloors, plywood, concrete, OSB (oriented strand board), and particle board. Planning a remodel and actually doing it are two completely different things and it was a hard lesson for me to learn but I definitely learned it! I assume I would have to glue as well right? Three lawyers refused to help me saying real estate was an investment that I could resell. A pneumatic palm nailer or small impact driver makes it much easier to install support blocking on floor joists. I added some links and additional information on your other comment so hopefully you get both of my replies. The process is pretty similar. Was there a delay for any reason? I can assure you if age is right it crumbles to saw dust powder if it gets wet. It might with that thin vinyl. In bold letters, each sheet of fiberboard warned Resin formaldehyde Causes respiratory distress. By the time it was revealed, it was too late to do more than tell workman to wear a respirator, and I tried to avoid the area and ventilate the house as much as possible (ventilation is awful in this house). 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. Many thanks! The point I am trying to make is, those improvements were easily done . That is absolutely the case when it comes to getting rid of dampness and mold inside of a mobile home. Home will never be moved only torn down. There are some programs but they are hard to get into. I dont know a soul in California, unfortunately. The belly wrap is important for heat retention. Im thinking well want to lay down a moisture barrier between the flooring and the subfloor, as well as put in real plywood. Simply installing plywood over the top of a subfloor is a simple process. Craigslist Homes So far, weve done everything right, but I was hoping to learn what you recommend for kitchen flooring. Manufactured home builders construct homes in layers. What polyurethane coating would you recommend when painting a sub floor? Replacing particle board flooring in mobile home (and insulation After you set your saw you will carefully cut only the subfloor. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rank it a 7 because no specialty tools are required and the material list is short but it is a tedious job and it must be done right. Im not sure about luxury vinyl (Ive never been able to afford it). I don't think you need to hire someone. Disclosure: Any answers to questions posed and any recommendations or information provided herein should not be used as a substitute of an expert or any relevant professional that has inspected the issues in person. Thank you Crystal!! Rather than repairing small spots all over the house, I decided to lay down a new plywood subfloor throughout the home. It was pretty informative as far as health concerns go: http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/faq-mdf.htm, It seems that HUD changed the laws about formaldehyde in 1985 and since your home was built before the law changed, it contains material that was later outlawed. Or, should I just plan on moving, and hoping someone will have some cash to buy this place (on 1.5 acres) that financial institutions say cannot be financed because its age is over 10 years. The different subfloors depend on the age of the house and the location. Im looking into purchasing a 1984 Schult built double wide. Purchasing a new manufactured home is very different from the process of buying a motor vehicle. We have a trailer house that has had a water leak and damaged the ceiling in the small bath, part of the bedroom is sagging and falling in. I am installing vinyl flooring and noticed the particle subfloor was rotten in a spot. When a damaged subfloor is properly repaired, your new flooring should feel and look beautiful for many years to come. Its a job but it makes the whole home look completely different. 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. Also, if the water has damaged the walls how should I go about repairing them? Check it's load strength, but it may approach 100 pounds per square foot with 16 inch on center fastening. In addition to expansion and shrinkage of the individual wood chips, the resin is also vulnerable to moisture attack. It is best to use 5/8 plywood as the most common subfloor material. I decided that I wanted to remove it and replace it with plywood. The first three provide structural support for your house, and the floor covering is purely for aesthetic appeal. I need to know a trust worthy company to replace the sub-floor in my doublewide mobile home. Now where the hot water tank sat and to the front of the closet it sat in next to my dryer is all wet. Is a handyman sufficient to make the bladder repairs or should this work be completed by a contractor? Particle board subfloor - cover with additional plywood/osb for luxury vinyl plank flooring? This article will help you choose the right contractor without getting ripped off. ACK!! What is your opinion on installing tile in a mobile home? Do you know of a government agency to report it to? What is less obvious is the breakdown of the subfloor that hasnt yet caved through. If you have water damage Id def replace the floors first, after the leaks have been repaired. A place where magic is studied and practiced? I am hoping someone will be able to give me advice on how to proceed with my project. You can see this happening in the photo above, where the small boards have been added between the long joists. They are not the same. Replacing the subfloor of a mobile home is a very common project and you should be able to find at least one or two companies in your area that have done it before. We have videos and images that will give you the visual information you need and, of course, in-depth descriptions and instructions on how to replace your subfloor. Rooms with more substantial furniture will need a thicker subfloor. But you might be struggling to figure out what kind of paint to use on garage walls. If your homes floor is a concrete slab, you wont require any joists. Can they usually fix the subfloor and lay new flooring? First, it is not recommended to install tile across the marriage line of a double wide. There is only around 18 between belly and ground at one end. Check out our guide: Can You Use A Router To Cut Plywood? He helps clients get their homes ready to sale, helps his buyers with after-purchase remodeling; often very substantial renovations including full kitchens and bathrooms. This article can give you some good ideas for help. Your web site has been the most helpful site Ive ever found. You do not want to touch the joists below. flooring - Replacing particle board subfloor with plywood - Home | What Is Underlayment Plywood? When the subfloor is getting weak, it feels very spongy or soft when you walk on it. There are a lot more moving parts, which can be confusing. Settling issues are another factor. In reference to insulation and subfloors, we have a 2003 Redman 24X48 DBLWide, and weve had to pull up some floors. Installation and Setup Manufactured homes can settle over time which is why it is recommended to do are-levelingcheck every 2-3 years. 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? The underlayment under the floors are a great help with squeaks and such but I dont think it has a very good R-value? Of course, every situation is different but make sure you calculate the project both ways to see which would be more affordable. Chuck has been renovating and flipping properties since 2003. I do recommend you homeowners put in marine grade plywood in bathrooms, kitchens and at doors. (which as many of have found out, can be quite tedious.) Any ideas? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Is hiring a general contractor good or is there some that specialize in MH repair? Cant you just overlay new plywood over Subfloor if not water damaged? All of your info is very helpful, but there is no mention on how to deal with the staples and glue residue from the original sub floor. Lay plywood over floorboards by leaving about 1/8 inch between the plywood and the wall. Having problems finding exact size replacement window 24 x 52 side by side making overall size of 48 x 52. Secure all of the original existing subfloor to the new supports with glue and screws. In areas where you want to install vinyl or other flooring requiring a prepared surface, use 3/4" t&g BC plywood to avoid the need for additional underlayment. Do not force them to fit. Also, we will provide you with the necessary steps to add the plywood to your subfloor. Hi, Crystal. Water and humidity in any home, site-built, modular, or manufactured can cause problems for any homeowner. Chapters 00:00 Tools needed for the job I plan to patch any holes and then overlay the particle board throughout the entire trailer with either plywood or OSB. Unfortunately, the entire shower has to be removed to get to the shower pan its a waterproof membrane that acts a barrier between the sub-floor and the shower itself. It doesnt have any water damage but I dont feel comfortable with these dips. I would really appreciate your help in this matter. However, many subfloors might not be the ideal surface on which to lay your finished floors. You will need to cut the strips or slats. Probably not. It is an easy process and you simply do it one sheet at a time. I do know that the cheap laminate floating floor worked just fine over the older pile flooring in our single wide bedroom. Also, I havent leveled in 20 plus years, should I do that first. The toilet was leaking for some time and I didnt notice until I saw that the floor looked kind of warped. Additionally, the particle board is flat in shape, whereas plywood can be moulded into different shapes. What you're doing here is more aesthetic than anything else, so have fun with it. I have learned to begin at the top. Particle board subfloor - houzz.com Follow the damage. Farmhouse Decor @isherwood it is most likely MDF or a high density particle type board. One last question - what kind of plywood would you recommend? Don't mop the floor, as it can absorb the water and damage the particleboard. Have to replace the subflooriing in my single wide trailer. As always, thanks so much for reading. Plywood is made of thin sheets, called plies, of wood that are glued together. The subfloors of many older manufactured homes tend to be made of dense particle board. If moisture is a consideration, then you should use an exterior grade. The most recommended subfloor material is 5/8 plywood. (The home has been inspected and his opinion has been verified.). The trick is to call their previous projects and see how the process went. Noted from the sub-area at three How to Put Thick Plywood Over a Sub Floor in a Mobile Home Thank you so much! The smaller the pieces, the easier it is to get them out of your way. Its been up for 5.5 years. I did not try to fight them, because they had already threatened legal action when I changed my mind and told them to keep my downpayment. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Modern Traditional Decor Also, this may be a great time to install new cabinets if you havent already and heres why: You can save money by demolishing all the old cabinets yourself especially if you have the standard cabinetry found in most manufactured homes they are built-in. You can save a ton of labor and refuse costs by doing this. Mold is a common health hazard and causes all types of respiratory issues. We just purchased a 1973 doublewide MH and it needs so much work. Under the shims is the plywood subfloor. If you are removing a larger area that covers several joists, the you will want to first cut out the bad areas between each joist, then remove the small piece left on top of the joist(s). It has withstood 4 dogs, 3 humans, countless furniture moves and wet winters over the last 5 years. You can also buy a ceiling kit at Lowes that is in different patterns such as shiplap. The pan that was under it had a crack so the water seeped through. If you plan any open wall work such as replacement of a wall with sheetrock you can loose to much of the plate to nail to. First, you shouldnt use water-based primers or paints. Sand those risers to get rid of the glued particle board remaining on them. Thank you. Ive walked many mobile homes as potential flips or investments. I have a question about installing chair rail moulding around my mobile home. I bought this place from an elderly couple when it was only about a year old, but they were not honest about anything pertaining to the structure, and violated the contract by removing window treatments and substituting appliances with Goodwill purchases. Youll probably need to go under the home to get the squeak out. If your joists are spaced between 16 and 19.2 inches apart, you should utilize inch plywood and OSB. cost for removing a sunken lift floor centre of living space in older trailer. Good luck! You wrote that you bought inexpensive laminate and its been fine. It is complex to replace subflooring in a mobile home but its a common project for homeowners of older mobile homes. If you preorder a special airline meal (e.g. Id love to see the end results. 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. 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). We recently bought a lot with a 1992 Fleetwood double wide (40 x 22). At a major home improvement center, a 4 x 8-foot sheet of 23/32-inch OSB costs about $16.50, How to Add an Extra Layer of Plywood Over a Subfloor - Upgraded Home Im tired of being cold!! Particle Board Underlayment: Pros, Cons, and Cautions Replacing particle board subfloor with plywood. Once it is all removed, we can lay new subfloor down (assuming the bottom joists are healthy). To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. The underlayment is excellent for smoothing and flattening interior surfaces before installing floor coverings. Heres a link I found that states this information: http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/faq-mdf.htm, Heres some information about creating a toxic-free home. The home inspector said putting an additional layer of sub-flooring over top should help solidify everything. Manufactured Home Model Tours 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? Areas with minor pet damage can be sealed with Kilz primer to eliminate odors. Where are the best places to find a new door wall for our 1985 mobile home? Add 5/8 or thicker plywood over your (repaired) OSB, then add 1/8 for the plank floor, and now your doors all need the bottoms cut. Doors and Windows Im no expert at all so theres probably a better way. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment, Robert! I assume you have a flat roof so you have a few different options (rubber, metal). Should I work on the walls first or floors first. If its healthy, youll likely want to leave the subflooring under the walls alone. My single wide has a raised kitchen and I love it but I completely understand why youd want to get rid of it. 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. I prefer a exterior grade plywood with one side sanded (up) but have also used the OSB. Im looking to replicate the terrazzo style, but was concerned if it would still crack if the home was on a permanent foundation? Your video and written articles have really helped me what to look for. You can learn more about mobile home plumbing repair here. Id love to see photos when you get it all finished! Unless your original subfloor is rotting, then you may want to call a friend to assist you and teach you how to replace the subfloor. Best of luck! new to the whole thing. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. and then put up new sliding. We have a nice thick vinyl in our bathroom because we have a kid that doesnt quite understand the concept of keeping water IN the tublol. The sheets are installed over the joists with construction adhesive and screws or nails. Homeowner Stories A pneumatic stapler and galvanized staples. Thanks - I added a wider image. This should be a top priority. Is it best for me to take these risers up and just place 3/4" plywood on top of the existing plywood? If the underlayment is too thick, it can shorten the room, especially if you have low ceilings. Although the subfloor for many manufactured homes is made from pressed board, we like to use a quality plywood for the replacement material. Use a cement board underlayment instead. Next, you will need to measure your subfloor. Therefore, there are many styles available to cater to a variety of design preferences. Please give me the Best Advice. When removing subfloor, remove any part that feels compromised. Eclectic and Unique Decor However, a few years ago I had water-damaged areas replaced in bathroom and under two windows in living room and bedroom. The 3 Types of Subfloor You Should Know - Hunker Most subfloors are either 3/4 or 5/8 thick. Amazing how much knowledge you have with mobilehomes! Craigslist or Angies List may be a good place as well. Manufactured Home Floors and Foundation l Clayton Studio At each seam, where one piece of plywood ends and another begins, you will need to reinforce under it. Its thick so it has a nice cushion to it that is perfect for standing while cooking. Fill the seams. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. This is aquick and dirty list of the basic steps needed to replace flooring in a mobile home. Also, is putting large 30 stone or terrazzo tiles doable in a double wide, or are vinyl tiles my only option? I have a 2010 double wide, my hot water heater leaked. I also was going to have laminate hardwood installed today in my mobile home living room and was told the subfloor is too weak. What is this layer of material in the kitchen floor? To install the second layer like a subfloor, lay it perpendicular to the first layer. Congratulations, you have a great looking floor that will last for many years! Isherwood most folks don't know the difference between particle board and OSB. You may want to check into a product that dissolves glue. Painting your subfloor is a good idea because it can help seal the cheaper material and protect it from water. Now that youve cutthe sub-flooring around the edges, you will need to cut them down so you can remove them easier. Therefore, adding an extra layer of flooring on top of your subfloor can help create the floor of your dreams! For bathroom or kitchens consider marine-grade plywood. The level sensors in your feet will pick up very easily on any uneven areas in your new floor. My husband and I bought a 2000 Champion home a year ago needed work, and we have just noticed hot water heater has been leaking for awhile. You suggested in one of your responses that laminate wood floor could even be placed over carpet, saving the expense of removing the carpet. 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. Was the project done within the budget? When the renter left, I decided to remodel the home and sell it. Ive lived in my 79 mobile home (double wide) for 27 years. That could be causing it. As far as legal protection, I honestly dont know. Im in Kentucky. What is the correct way to screw wall and ceiling drywalls? At this point, all the sub-flooring has been removed and you have a perfect opportunity to inspect the joists for any damage. Im not sure if thats true but Ive seen bleach and mold/mildew cleaner remove some dangerous-looking stuff. If you want to install a second layer of the subfloor, you should install it like an underlayment. That could do the trick for a good long time I would imagine. If you can afford water resistant marine plywood for your kitchen, laundry, and bath that would be a good idea. We are wanting to install vinyl tiles in bathroom and laundry room. My wife and me recently down sized and purchased a mobile home these video Since you are dealing with major components of your home like plumbing, wiring, and walls a professional should be present. Im also wanting to do the floors as the carpet seems to just generate stains, and the ceramic tile in kitchen/dining/family rooms cracked due to give in the flooring. Then, the new floor will be laid and you can install pre-built cabinets from Lowes quicker than you could re-install the old cabinets back. A wider shot with some perspective would be great. If youre looking to install new floors, installing a plywood underlayment can be an easy and fun DIY project! Hi.. We are needing to change our kitchen.. Are cupboards in our kitchen that are built up to the ceiling all wall cupboards & an other is a double ..a pantry style unit plus next to it is a boiler housing unit both floor to ceiling.. are these all supporting walls?..