[stumped in indy]

I am in a house that is 7yrs old and has osb subfloor over basement and found that after taking the carpet off to install wood flooring, the floor has dips from a quarter of a inch to three quarters of an inch. I don't want to use the bandaid fix of putting leveling compound if I intend to put wood flooring down and a few yrs down the road it cracks. Any suggestions on how to fix this, my concern is if it is structrual what resorces are out there to help fix this.. :furious:
The floor will drop three quarters of an inch per 34 inches I know that it is not standard..... Help....

 

[RegeSullivan]

What would it hurt if the leveling compound cracked? I think that is the way to go. I would be more concerned about this thickness of the subfloor and to make sure it was screwed tightly to the joists. I have only done one hardwood floor so wait for other more experienced members to reply.

Rege

 

[Han'D']

I have used the leveling compound in my condo rental and I can say that it is tough stuff. When used correctly its hard as rock and I can't see it cracking any time soon.
If you look into the different compounds you can go self leveling or the more duable and slighly harder to work with non self leveling. I have used both an hated the non only b/c I had to level it off and the highs were murder to chip away when it dried.
Having said that had I put a little extra into it I would be assured it was there to stay.
Of course it is important to also find out why the floor sags so much in 7 yrs. first and then get it leveled. More of a chance for further damage if the cause is not cured.

 

[47_47]

Of course it is important to also find out why the floor sags so much in 7 yrs. first and then get it leveled. More of a chance for further damage if the cause is not cured.

My thoughts exactly. I'd take up an section of the OSB and see what's going on.

 

[Ron6519]

What are the size of the joists and how far do they span? Is the basement ceiling covered or open?
The problem could be as simple as the joists were installed with some crowns up and some crowns down.
If you're installing a nail down floor, don't use a leveling compound. It won't do well with the vibration.
Ron

 

[Wood Floor Guy]

Dips in Subfloor

A high quality leveling compound (Mapei makes several) would work fine, however, if you use a leveling compound, you can't install a nail or staple down floor in the future without fracturing your compound. You'll be limited to an engineered and/or floating floor (which isn't bad)

Come to think of it, that's the way you should go regardless. Nailing into an OSB board makes for a loose and loud installation no matter what you read.

So, float a compound and go with a glue down or floating installation!

Wood Floor Guy
www.woodfloorsforyou.com :laughing:

 

[Han'D']

Float all the way!! Gluing and nailing cause contact with subfloor and that means you can still damage it through virations. My subfloor was crap and I still get cracks forming (you can hear the change) from weight.
In hind sight i should have placed compound all over the flr instead of just patching...Next time