More resources about mobile home subflooring: Ask an Expert Questions about Replacing Floors in Mobile Homes, Ask a Mobile Home Expert Questions about Mobile Home Subfloors. To add an extra layer of plywood over a subfloor, you will need to clean the floor to ensure there is no dirt and grime. Plywood Plywood is probably the most common subfloor found in residential homes and has been one of the main sources of subfloor since the 50's. When you have water damage in mobile homes, usually they have particle board and needs to be removed completely. Doors and Windows If you live in a manufactured home with a particle board subfloor you will likely need to replace it eventually. Wed like to put down something very sturdy. Do you know of a government agency to report it to? Sub-flooring should be laid in the same direction as the original, usually opposite the direction of the joists. This is one of those tedious jobs no one likes to do! Image Credit: architectphd/iStock/GettyImages It doesnt have any water damage but I dont feel comfortable with these dips. You won't save a ton over the OSB (it may actually cost more), but it'll result in less of a height difference and has a nicer finished surface. I do recommend you homeowners put in marine grade plywood in bathrooms, kitchens and at doors. We removed all of the damaged subfloor material in these areas.Damaged And Removed Subfloor In HallwayDamaged And Removed Subfloor In Bathroom And Laundryif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'mobilehomefriend_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',560,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mobilehomefriend_com-leader-1-0'); It is always better to err on the side of replacing more floor than necessary. Are you sure it only has particle board (and that it's actually particle board and not OSB)? Ive read that its actually fairly rare for mold to be the actual highly toxic black mold. Your video and written articles have really helped me what to look for. Do you have any suggestions for rookie 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. Would they be 16 on center or are they farther apart. If your joists are spaced between 16 and 19.2 inches apart, you should utilize inch plywood and OSB. I really need to get it fixed because it feels like the toilet is going to fall through the floor at any time. If these are not repaired properly, they will often visually show up in the floor. I have no insulation or blatter bag underneath very simular to a crawl space home. basically how much to replace a living room15x24. If you can cut out an inch or so under the wall without damaging the wall you can slide the new sub-floor under the wall. You could get air bubbles caught in there and the floor could delaminate if that makes sense? NOTE: Some plywood consists of one rough side and one smooth side. I have never seen a subflooring that couldnt handle floating flooring unless its been damaged by water or fire. I had a friend install a new Garbage Disposal a few months ago. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. 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. You wrote that you bought inexpensive laminate and its been fine. If your in a bathroom or kitchen area hardybacker or cement board is the better choice. Is Glue down better. Its thick so it has a nice cushion to it that is perfect for standing while cooking. our step-by-step guide to replace flooring in a mobile home here. 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). Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Mold is a common health hazard and causes all types of respiratory issues. We recently bought a lot with a 1992 Fleetwood double wide (40 x 22). Usually its the bathrooms. Particleboard, on the other hand, has not improved . Its a job but it makes the whole home look completely different. If its carpet you will need to remove the strips. Country Primitive Decor Since you are an impartial party, i would love your opinion on this. Bed and Bath 1 thing that Ive been noticing is that even though they put this vinyl plank flooring down, I dont think they did anything to the sub flooring cause it feels flexible in some spots. The rest of the home had several soft spots throughout. I wish you the best! Those that recommend patching mat be seeing that the thickness of the two boards will cause interference with your interior doors. I guess my real question is, is will the chassis and blocks underneath be strong enough for the extra weight? If your homes floor is a concrete slab, you wont require any joists. Im not real sure about that though. What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be acquitted of everything despite serious evidence? 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). I have a 2010 double wide, my hot water heater leaked. Installation and Setup Avoid pressed wood all together (OMB). Also, if the water has damaged the walls how should I go about repairing them? Additionally, you will save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on paying a carpenter high labor fees by doing this project yourself. Cut Damaged Subfloor: Set a circular saw to the proper depth, so it cuts just through the thickness of the particle board, and make the cuts. I have seen where vapor barriers are installed immediately below the subflooring and elsewhere (in replacement videos) where it is merely placed on the ground without one under the subflooring. It should be directly under the home but above your plastic sheeting (or belly wrap) to help keep it from freezing. You may luck up with a brochure or sales pamphlet on ebay or if someone uploads one somewhere. , Your email address will not be published. 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. During the process, the fiberboard sub-flooring revealed a serious warning that makes me hesitate about any further work. Even the least amount of dampness causes bowing, warping, rot, and soft spots. In the image below, the homeowners just cut the perimeter and left the original subflooring under the wall. Energy Efficiency For many years, mobile homes have been constructed with sub-flooring made of particle board which is made from sawdust and glue that essentially acts like a sponge when it gets wet. Im thinking well want to lay down a moisture barrier between the flooring and the subfloor, as well as put in real plywood. I would call your local mobile home supply store and ask them for references. Hope that helps! Remove Damaged Subfloor: Use a flat pry bar to remove the damaged particle board. The sides of the H will each screw into the existing floor joists. Repairing holes and painting. Whats the grammar of "For those whose stories they are"? DO MOBILE HOME ROOF COATINGS REALLY WORK? To do entire 1560 sq ft is an expense. I have one mobile home that I purchased as a rental about 2 years ago. Also, youll want to make sure the ground is graded so that moisture cant settle under the home. Holes, of course, are obvious. First of all, that leaves me with 3k worth of subfloor to sell secondhand. Tile (light weight preferably), laminate, real wood, etc. These projects usually end up leading me to searching for information. Step 4: Acclimate Plywood. Porch and Decks Question is, people put the wood laminate down before I bought it in kitchen, living room and dining room. I can assure you if age is right it crumbles to saw dust powder if it gets wet. Please, help me. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? A week ago we decided to remove the large soaking tub (never Used), upon taking out the frame it sat on we have discovered black mold on the floor and wall the smell is strong. You will use the measurement to set your circular saw to the proper height. Also, all OSB is not the same. Most subfloors are either 3/4 or 5/8 thick. If so, then relaying the carpet is an easy task. Have to replace the subflooriing in my single wide trailer. A rented toe kick / flush cut saw makes it much easier to cut sub-flooring right next to walls and cabinets. Roofing ), I want to enjoy the rest of my life, and hopefully do some art work and sewing that I have put off. Don't mop the floor, as it can absorb the water and damage the particleboard. Heating and Cooling Mobile Home Friend LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You may need to use a Dremel tool or knife to get the sub-flooring out from underneath the walls if the sub-flooring is damaged or rotted. She earned a BA in communications from Jacksonville State University. All rights reserved. Did they show up when they said they would? Settling issues are another factor. Plywood is stronger and more durable than particle board, as it is made with cross-grain texture and stronger adhesives. You can buy the replacement ceiling panels at your local mobile home supply store. @isherwood it is most likely MDF or a high density particle type board. They have 38 state administrative agency offices (I think thats the number) and then the national offices in DC. Make sure to keep them just in case you decide to remove the chair rail in the future. That could do the trick for a good long time I would imagine. Self-Leveling Underlayment is an easy-to-use, cement-based underlayment that self-levels. The point I am trying to make is, those improvements were easily done . Since this final layer is all about aesthetic appeal, it doesnt usually add structural support. Thats a lot! Water and humidity in any home, site-built, modular, or manufactured can cause problems for any homeowner. They see something that is not plywood and call it particle board. Weve replaced sections with new plywood due to cost controls. Fastener does all the structural work and the glue prevents squeaky floors. If youre looking to install new floors, installing a plywood underlayment can be an easy and fun DIY project! The other part of selection of material will depend on what you are finishing the room in and type of room. How to Add Plywood It's best to vacuum the particleboard first to help the glue adhere. When installing tile flooring, you need mortar and grout, which will likely soak into the plywood. Under the shims is the plywood subfloor. 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). the flat surface on which you install all other layers. Carla. As you continue to measure and cut plywood pieces, you will be able to cover the remainder of the floor. Im a novice what-to-be carpenter/builder. Where should I begin? From what I understand, all manufacturers have to pay a certain amount toward this program so that people can get help. Why is this sentence from The Great Gatsby grammatical? Bad toilet rings and damaged water supply lines are other common source of leaks in mobile homes. My wife and me recently down sized and purchased a mobile home these video The home inspector advised her of the following: Sub-floor membrane a.k.a. If you have any questions please feel free to comment below and we will do our best to find your answer! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It very well may be more affordable and less hassle for you to spend your money on a house that has been at least partially updated. Generally, it is better to have a thin but sturdy underlayment. I'd keep the risers there even if they're loose. I have not seen this on any video. I am in a 1995 single wide mobile home. Heres an article that explains the process better. Try drilling pilot hole a bit smaller than the threads on your screw and see if that works. I appreciate you taking the time to let us know the error! Check out our guide: Can You Use A Router To Cut Plywood? and then put up new sliding. 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's just a subfloor from underneath. Kitchens Very informative and helpful!! Hi Crystal, I bought my 1987 double wide here in Rochester, WA a little over a year ago. Theres a tool list as well. Mobile Home Repair has a forum that covers all kinds of topics. Having problems finding exact size replacement window 24 x 52 side by side making overall size of 48 x 52. Installing plywood underlayment is a relatively straightforward undertaking. Therefore, there are many styles available to cater to a variety of design preferences. Roof coatings arelike a rubberized glue that gets rolled on the roof like paint. Two pictures above show building the cross joist support using traditional joist hangers. Even worse is the feeling of sponginess as you walk across them. Adding an extra layer of plywood over the subfloor is simply a good idea. Does ZnSO4 + H2 at high pressure reverses to Zn + H2SO4? It's best to vacuum the particleboard first to help the glue adhere. We had to chisel and sand each and every one. hope you don't have any tall friends. As far as legal protection, I honestly dont know. or take them up? 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. Mobile Home Parks Interviews I have spoken to many contractors and the most reliable (whom i cant afford; he builds and renovates homes on the florida keys) recommended a subfloor that looks like OSB but contains resins. Stretching and stapling/nailing the wrap is a real pain but its easier with help. 1990 double wide? You want to give water a place to go away from the home. The first step to replacing rotted flooring in a mobile home is to remove the trim and floor covering. It's a little hard to tell what you're replacing. Park Model Homes Youll want cracks and holes sealed with duct tape and that insulation be used under and around the ducts. As far as what to place over the existing has two items to keep in mind. To lower our kitchen, we would need to remove the floor covering, the sub flooring, and then remove the additional framing for the platform. Replacing the entire floor is not usually necessary. This article can give you some good ideas for help, http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/faq-mdf.htm, http://www.care.com/housekeeping-creating-a-toxin-free-home-p1017-q14637.html, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/csp, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/mhdrp. But I am not sure if that would be too heavy and if not then what thickness plywood would you recommend? Also, we will provide you with the necessary steps to add the plywood to your subfloor. The particle board subfloor ran under the framing and I was concerned damaging it could be cause more series issues so I decided not to replace it. Im trying to hire someone to lay the new subfloor. My original plan was to renovate one room at a time, beginning with the kitchen. Often, when repairing a bad subfloor, it is when you are going to install new flooring, whether tile, wood, or carpet. Ive seen special screws at Lowes specifically for bowed subfloors so you may want to look into that. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Youll probably need to go under the home to get the squeak out. His opinion is that the subfloor has warped, mostly because we live in a humid climate and the lack of a/c over two+ yrs time added to the problem. If you want to install a second layer of the subfloor, you should install it like an underlayment. If you are installing a hardwood floor covering. Use this link for 10% off purchases of $100: https://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=434871&m=27613&u=622024. Homeimprovement.com has a great list of all the best primers and paints for painting your mobile homes subfloor. I own a 2003 double wide embedded inground on concrete , We removed all carpets , since carpets collect dirt and dust, no matter how much you clean and vacuum them , Put down wood laminated flooring from Costco . It only takes a minute to sign up. New subflooring, along with new insulation, will help your home last longer and save heating and cooling costs. Your particle board doesnt look like its in terrible shape. I know you feel cheated and alone and the sad thing about it all is that you probably have little power to get anything done. If you have water damage Id def replace the floors first, after the leaks have been repaired. For anyone thinking about doing this job, its messy and tedious but can be accomplished with basic carpentry skills and some hard work. I was so tempted to leave it too but basically committed now. any community forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? vegan) just to try it, does this inconvenience the caterers and staff? Joists act more like beams, supporting the weight of the floor, and they are integral structural pieces of your home. Where are the best places to find a new door wall for our 1985 mobile home? Floor covering comes in several materials, such as hardwood, tile, carpet, or, A circular saw a hand saw, or any other saw that is suitable for cutting wood. I do know that HUD is the government entity that oversees all manufactured housing. At a major home improvement center, a 4 x 8-foot sheet of 23/32-inch OSB costs about $16.50, I need something that can withstand my moving furniture around to clean without scratching the flooring. However, using the proper underlayment provides a smoother surface for top layer installation. Ive read that I should keep the insulation below the wiring and pipes. An option would be to cut the rot out at 45-degree angles then insert new boards with their edges cut to 45-degrees before putting in cross-section 2x boards to joists to support the new stuff. A place where magic is studied and practiced? As long as you are getting thick high-quality plywood or even OSB (anything except MDF / particle board) your home should be fine. We installed our laminated floating floor from Lowes over the carpet and have had no issues at all. Its very plausible that replacing instead of laying a second layer is easier. Weve used beadboard paneling in a few mobile homes too. Tile is a more permanent choice and can be a real burden if you have to remove it for any reason. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Sand those risers to get rid of the glued particle board remaining on them. Now I have a much bigger problem where larger areas of the subfloor needs is be replace. Advantages of Manufactured Homes Other than that, learn what SEO is and how to write for the search engines. Does Counterspell prevent from any further spells being cast on a given turn? How to match a specific column position till the end of line? Heres an article that explains the process better. Chapters 00:00 Tools needed for the job I want to take the whole particleboard off and replace it with plywood as it's rotting. Thank you for creating a well researched & informative article for the DIY population. As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living! Particleboard is more susceptible to water damage than plywood, warns Displays2Go. Please share any info you may have. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Probably not. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Also make sure the seams of the plywood are staggered from the seams of the particleboard. Ill get it professionally installed but I cant narrow it down. I don't have enough of the particle board down yet to know whether or not they're glued or just 'floating'. http://www.care.com/housekeeping-creating-a-toxin-free-home-p1017-q14637.html. Replacing subfloors in a mobile home IS a huge undertaking. locations, especially under the master bathroom shower pan area. The only downside is you most likely have to have it professionally installed. He says that one of the most satisfying part of renovating the mobile homes is creating beautiful, affordable housing that people are proud to own, and call home! Living and Dining Rooms Should I work on the walls first or floors first. But I just cant figure out where to start cutting the floor without ruining it or making things worse. The question to you in this forum is given his living location, should the vapor barrier be under the subflooring, on the ground, or both places? Once you locate where the joist(s) are, then you can use the saw to cut along the side of the joist. They will at least know which local companies will work on manufactured housing and thats a good start. Took us almost 2 years to get thin, pre-papered wall panels and floor ripped out. Oriented strand board (or OSB board), is an engineered wood made of pressurized wood strands and adhesives that offers exceptional strength and performance. You will probably need to replace subflooring in a mobile home eventually, especially if its an older home or you have encountered a leak. There are basically 2 ways to do this:Installing Cross Supports Using Joist Hangersif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'mobilehomefriend_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',702,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mobilehomefriend_com-leader-2-0');Building Cross Joist Supports Without Using Joist hangers. I have had some water issues and the last crew I hired didnt remove the damaged flooring first. Its not impossible to do it yourself but if you have some odd cuts you may have a tough time. Over the years, this type of subfloor has the tendency to break down in heavy traffic areas within the home. Plane floor joists, sand subfloor, or sand underlayment to handle hump in floor for cork plank flooring? In my experience, when you start working on a home you will always find more things wrong with it than you planned (especially after removing the flooring or paneling after a leak). Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! I bet its gorgeous! I do not see the need to use it throughout the entire home. The H will be built before installing into the floor. I am installing vinyl flooring and noticed the particle subfloor was rotten in a spot. While those are both true, that is only the beginning. Try to find the closest thing. Don't mop the floor, as it can absorb the water and damage the particleboard. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment, Robert! Use wood screws long enough to reach through the plywood and particleboard into the joists below look for the nails or screws in the particleboard to determine the location of joists. I would truly love your honest opinion if this would be worth it, or if I should just replace the MH/build a house. 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. Any ideas? Just do the best you can to get that short end sealed. I was always afraid to use paint dissolvers but after I used them the first time I was mad at myself for not trying them sooner. Help! There are holes in the floors in different room, so I know the roof would need fix. If your in a bathroom or kitchen area hardybacker or cement board is the better choice. Congratulations, you have a great looking floor that will last for many years! Do not force them to fit. Or should I get 1/4" plywood and lay that on top of the risers? I'm not an expert, but I had a similar situation when installing laminate flooring. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. Chuck says that rehabbing homes is the most fun part of his real estate career. First I am glad to hear you say overlay the existing subfloor. Chuck has been renovating and flipping properties since 2003. Yes maam. I prefer a exterior grade plywood with one side sanded (up) but have also used the OSB. It had been shut up during a long, hot summer, and I immediately became so sick that I could not walk due to the vertigo and nausea (crawled to bathroom). Why do many companies reject expired SSL certificates as bugs in bug bounties? I also was going to have laminate hardwood installed today in my mobile home living room and was told the subfloor is too weak. Is it suspicious or odd to stand by the gate of a GA airport watching the planes? The cheaper particle board sub-floor that is so notorious in manufactured housing is not a good foundation for tile. Ive got absolutely no experience in repairing things like this, but Im very determined! Perhaps the screws are not strong enough? If your joists are spaced between 16 and 19.2 inches apart, you should utilize, and OSB. The important thing about choosing the new material is to make absolutely sure that it is of the same thickness as the original subfloor. I love it right now but I know it will be an issue as we age. Step 1 Screw existing subfloor material to new supports. Use a cement board underlayment instead. Thanks for the info Crystal, very helpful. Not having any low spots or soft spots in your new floor makes your home feel solid and of better construction. What questions do I ask to make sure they are they best for the job? Tips and Advice When it is done this way, the edges of both the old subfloor and the new subfloor can be secured properly to the new cross support in the floor. Then the cross support is cut to length, dropped into the joist hangers, and finally attached to the hangers using screws. Don't want to be too cheap but I don't want to overspend either. Floor covering comes in several materials, such as hardwood, tile, carpet, or vinyl. What you're doing here is more aesthetic than anything else, so have fun with it. Thanks for the help. Heating and Cooling Your mobile home subfloor may be made out of: OSB (oriented strand board)made of pressed wood strips and resin adhesives somewhat like particle board. To replace flooring in a mobile home you will need experience in construction. If you space the joists farther apart than that, you will want inch plywood and 1 inch OSB. This is the ideal method in the subflooring is rotted or weakened in any way. Therefore, there are many styles available to cater to a variety of design preferences. You should provide a layer of plastic sheeting on the wall (over the insulation and under the siding). I dont know a soul in California, unfortunately. Youll simply rip out the old and lay in the new over the wall lip. Soft spots are less common in newer homes that have plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) subfloors. I cannot do the work. What is less obvious is the breakdown of the subfloor that hasnt yet caved through.