DECEMBER 12, 2018 • Volume 13 • Issue 50
RE WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AREA DEVELOPMENT 515-233-3299 • 317 5th Street, Ames • All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa
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Page RE2 • REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Subfloor installation tips • Always check your local building code before choosing a particular subflooring material or design. • As with many finish flooring materials, your subfloor may need 24 hours or more to acclimate to your home. • The thickness of subflooring depends on the spacing of your joists. Minimum thickness should be 5/8 inches for plywood and 23/32 inches for OSB. When joists are spaced 16-19.2 inches apart, subfloor should be ¾ inches for both materials. With joist spacing of over 19.2, thickness of plywood should be 7/8 inches and of OSB, 1 inch. • Always read through the subflooring manufacturer’s instructions prior to installation.
A subfloor is a structure attached to your floor joists which provides support for your finish (surface) flooring. [bigstock]
• Your finish flooring is only as good as your subfloor. Ensure that your subfloor is smooth and sound before installing new flooring. If it is wet, you may be able to dry out the subfloor by opening up the drywall underneath it. However, patching is your best option for a severely damaged subfloor.
Do I need a subfloor? By Laura Firszt More Content Now
A
re you planning to replace your old floors? Or are you about to install flooring in a newly-built home? In either case, when you look at the expense of your floor material and installation, you may well ask yourself, “Do I need a subfloor, too?” To make an informed decision, take a closer look at what a subfloor does and why it’s important.
Do I need a subfloor? What does it actually do? A subfloor is a structure attached to your floor joists which provides support for your finish (surface) flooring. Used alone, most finish flooring materials are not strong enough for the dead weight of furniture, cabinetry, appliances and other household objects plus the live weight of people and pets. Your subfloor also provides stability and a level surface, which will make flooring installation easier, whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Another function of subflooring is to protect your surface floor against moisture damage and mold in a damp environment.
Electrical wiring and plumbing pipes may be run through the subfloor.
What’s the difference between subfloor and underlayment? Don’t confuse the terms “subfloor” and “underlayment.” Underlayment is an additional thin layer that is placed on top of the subfloor when you’re having tile, carpet or laminate flooring installed. The underlayment acts as a vapor barrier, helping to safeguard your floor against ambient moisture. It also adds an element of soundproofing and, in the case of carpeted floors, increases underfoot comfort.
What materials are used for subfloors? Plywood is the material most commonly used for subflooring. Manufactured from thin sheets of wood glued together with the grain of each layer perpendicular to the previous one, plywood provides a strong support, a smooth surface and a reasonable cost. Oriented strand board (OSB) is another popular subfloor material. Because it’s made up of large wood chips adhered with resin, OSB offers a dense, smooth surface compared to plywood. When exposed to moisture, though, OSB takes longer to dry, which could lead to water damage for your subflooring and even your finish
floor. However, insulated subfloor paneling, consisting of OSB sheathing backed by foam insulation, is available — for a price. Particleboard is not used as frequently as the previous two options. Although it is also manufactured from wood and is inexpensive, particleboard is composed of small chips, resulting in a weaker product which absorbs more moisture.
Do I need a subfloor over a concrete slab? While a subfloor is not necessary to add structural strength when you’ll be laying finish flooring on top of a concrete slab (as in a basement remodel), subflooring over concrete offers two other advantages: Dampness control. Install a vapor barrier of plastic sheeting before laying the subfloor. If necessary, place sleepers (mini-joists) to raise the subfloor above a very damp concrete slab. Waterproof sealer will also help keep out moisture. Temperature control. A subfl oor will help insulate against a concrete floor that becomes overly cold in winter. The concrete slab must be clean, sound, and level, with any serious cracking repaired, before you install your subfloor. Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • Wednesday, December 12, 2018 • Page RE3
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TIPS OF THE WEEK DESIGN
WINDOWS
PESTS
KITCHEN & BATH TRENDS
TIPS FOR A PROPER INSTALL
NOISES IN THE ATTIC
These design show trends can help inspire your next renovation, according to Kohler Kitchen and Bath:
If you decide to install or upgrade windows, keep in mind the following helpful tips from www.plygem.com:
The experts at Terminix have information on what might be going bump in your attic.
• A floor-to-ceiling living wall of plants adds a pleasing contrast to a bathroom’s hard surfaces, especially when paired with statement sinks and fixtures.
• To maximize daylight, comfort and energy efficiency, be sure to identify the climate zone you live in and select a window that meets your zone requirements.
• Taking things beyond the marble countertop, the latest kitchen design incorporates even more natural materials, such as wood and stone.
• To determine your home’s orientation and sun exposure, try using the compass app on your smartphone.
• Chirping or flapping indicates a bird (or two) may have decided to make a home up there. • If you hear scratching, gnawing, scurrying or squeaking, you could have a rat or mouse infestation. • Squirrels make rustling and other noises during the day. — Brandpoint
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Realtors, do you want to reach a wider group of potential buyers? Advertise in the RE Weekly. In print and online.
Call Ali Eernisse 515-663-6956
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