The subfloor is one of the most important parts of your home, yet it’s often overlooked. This layer of flooring is what provides support for the rest of your floors, so if it’s damaged, it can cause serious problems. Here are some signs that you need to replace your subfloor:

Signs You Need to Replace a Subfloor

Squeaky Noise- It is common to have a little squeak from the flooring that can easily go unnoticed. Yet, when you find your floor is making sounds regularly, that is a good indicator that it needs immediate attention. The squeaking happens if the subfloor wood rubs against a nail. The nails firmly hold the subfloor to the joists, eliminating the squeaking issues. With the subfloor warping or twisting, nails become loose and the squeaky noises become more louder and disruptive.

Water Damage- Water is the mortal enemy of any floor. If water is sitting in the finished flooring or the subfloor, it normally always results in significant damage. A leaking drain from the nearby sink, a loose pipe within the wall, or a section in a roof that is leaking due to a recent storm may result in presence of water on the subfloor. We encourage you to take the initiative and investigate where the damage is coming from.

Sinking Sections- A subfloor becomes apparent as you walk if it has sinking sections. The floor joists are the problem making the floor to sink inwards. It happens due to moisture deteriorating the wood. It also may be due to improper floor installation. Ensure the end-to-end joints between the sheets or boards meet on the top of the floor joist can help analyze the issue at hand.

Moisture Cupping- A home requires a lot of attention and even the small areas with cupped floorboards can steal its pristine appearance. Hardwood floor cupping is when the floorboards start curling along the length. It is because of the moisture that the hardwood flooring begins cupping. Though the subfloor is safe, it is also suffering.

Cracked or popping tiles. Titles that are cracked our popping out are a sure sign indicating floor repair is needed. Moisture may be the main suspect, but even the use of the wrong material on the subfloor may be a reason. Laying a cement board on the subfloor is helpful. It strengthens the floor, giving a better substrate for the tile to stick to, and removes the bounce back. No matter the reason, cracking or popping tiles is not a good sign and should be a big red flag that there is a bigger underlying issue at hand that needs to be addressed.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to connect with a professional right away. Replacing a subfloor can be a big project, but it’s essential to maintaining the structural integrity of your home.