DAANIS: Plywood Subfloor Joints

Plywood Subfloor Joints

Concrete leveling over plywood subfloor. Fasten plywood shims to the joists and then dry fit the new subfloor over them measuring the difference between the high and low points again to make sure the inconsistency in the height of the subfloor is as minimal as possible.

Floor Framing Structure

How to prep your sub floor for luxury vinyl flooring duration.

Plywood subfloor joints. Which is the better option plywood vs. Plywood used as a subfloor wall underlayment or roof sheathing needs to have the seams sealed with caulk. Set the plywood on the construction adhesive with the tongue oriented towards the groove.

By sealing these seams moisture insects dust and air cant permeate into a home. Lift up the plywood and put construction adhesive across the joists. Our senco screwgun made this step a snap but you could do it with a drill driver and subfloor screws.

Nail down or floating floors may be installed over existing vinyl as long as it is no more than two layers thick. Subflooring allows the finished material on top to layer evenly. To avoid buckling subfloor panels should be spaced with a 18 inch gap at all edges and ends to provide room for naturally occurring expansion.

Another interesting and possibly salient detail is that the plywood subfloor is nailed only every 4 which i am pretty sure is because there are not typically spaced floor joists but instead are larger beams spaced every 4. Tongue and groove edges on many premium floor panels such as weyerhaeusers edge gold osb panels are designed to self gap. Well each has their own strengths and weaknesses when used as exposed decking or subflooring.

Sand any high spots and fill the low spots with leveling compound. Thoroughly vacuum the existing floor and use a long level and tape measure to ensure the subfloor is level within 316 inch for every 10 feet. One critical step when laying subflooring is to fill the seams joints and cracks with a sealant adhesive or filler to prevent water infiltration.

For a more detailed step by step guide to flattening a wood subfloor see here. Measure and dry set the first piece. It also provides a waterproofing layer to eliminate concerns of rotting or molding due to moisture exposure.

Get the plywood to the right level of the house. Evidently these beams used to be exposed to downstairs but were drywalled over before we moved in to create a ceiling. Unsealed seams diminish the effectiveness of the cooling and heating systems of a home which can adversely affect utility costs.

This joint looks complicated but its only two cuts. Lay a bead of construction adhesive on the joists place the new subfloor piece and fasten the new subfloor to all joists using 15 or 2 inch subfloor screws.

Chapter 7 Subfloor Gaylord Flooring