[Tnguy]

I had a 4x4 hole through the 5/8 thick old plywood upstairs (it is the type that crumbles in an old 1994 house).
I had a guy come and cut a 16.5''x24'' cutout to replace with plywood from lowes. This new plywood is 1/2 thick and the old is 5/8th thick. He came to give me a quote and determined it was 1/2 thick but was wrong.

The edges of the cutout are recessed by the difference in thickness and I am not sure what to do at this point since the Carpet people are coming tomorrow.
They will install pad a new carpet over whatever it is I have.


Should I attempt to level the edges at least? or leave as is?

It feels like a weak spot when you step on it with full weight since it is thinner plywood.

Will the pad and carpet cover this and would it be ok in the future to step on 1/2 thick plywood?

It's in a bedroom upstais. Low traffic.

thanks a lot

 

[chandler48]

Patching across joists should span at least 3 joists end to end. He should have used 5/8" plywood, but apparently didn't know the difference. From appearances it is actually 3/4 OSB or Advantech, which leaves you 1/4" shy. I would not install any flooring over it until it is corrected. It will be a dip even with carpet.

 

[Tnguy]

Patching across joists should span at least 3 joists end to end. He should have used 5/8" plywood, but apparently didn't know the difference. From appearances it is actually 3/4 OSB or Advantech, which leaves you 1/4" shy. I would not install any flooring over it until it is corrected. It will be a dip even with carpet.

I am on my way to lowes or home depot to get new OSB

I measured the old board and it has a number 4 stamped on the back and says 1/8 inch at edges.
I measure between 9/16 and 5/8 in different areas of the old board. ALso, should I let him just put 2x4s between the 16 inch joist to give more support and call it a day with the new board and buy a bigger board.? I will be reading your messages while shopping. At least he agreed to correct this issue.

 

[chandler48]

Yes, if he puts lumber between the joists to bolster the bowing effect, it would be OK. I only mentioned the three joist span to make sure he knew for future reference. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Tnguy]

Yes, if he puts lumber between the joists to bolster the bowing effect, it would be OK. I only mentioned the three joist span to make sure he knew for future reference. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

update: thicker plywood was put in, but I have a few gaps and there is still an area that is lower than the original subfloor as you can see in the pictures, not by much though. Should I caulk the openings and should I try to level the height difference on that side? Some screws were drilled in diagonally (there are 2x4 under the plywood now), and they stick out a bit. I don't have an impact drill, so I could not push them in further.

If I leave as is, with a few gaps, raised screws and one side lower than the subfloor, for this small patch, will this damage the new carpet or I should just leave as is and call it a day.

Thanks for the input.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

No way I'd leave ours like that, only hi-speed contractors do that kind of crap. I'd remove the screws and counter sink the heads using a 1/4" bit for a counter sink if I didn't have a counter sink bit. If you don't flatten and level that area with the surrounding area I feel you'll always feel as if you should have.

 

[chandler48]

I think for the situation you are in, if he bolstered the span, the gap can be closed with an elastomeric caulk troweled on. The screw heads do need to be at least flush if not countersunk. Carpet installation will have the padding, so it won't be a problem with the carpet. It is not an ideal installation, but it is what it is. How is the firmness with the spanners and thicker OSB?

 

[Tnguy]

I think for the situation you are in, if he bolstered the span, the gap can be closed with an elastomeric caulk troweled on. The screw heads do need to be at least flush if not countersunk. Carpet installation will have the padding, so it won't be a problem with the carpet. It is not an ideal installation, but it is what it is. How is the firmness with the spanners and thicker OSB?

Well... the carpet installers came in earlier than normal and they looked at it and said I will be just fine.. obviously..., but as you say, it is what it is and at least there is a pad and then the carpet on top. Low traffic area.
It is what it is as you say.
The carpet looks great and they did a great job.

Thanks for the suggestions to you and SeniorSitizen.