Subfloor Repair and Reconstruction Services in Central Indiana | A+ Restoration

At A+ Restoration, we understand how frustrating it can be when your floorboards start making noises or feel bouncy when you’re walking around your home. Unfortunately, they are not only a nuisance but can also be an indicator of a much bigger problem. If you suspect that your subfloor is structurally compromised, Contact A+ Restoration today at (317) 676-5561 for a free on-site inspection. Many homeowners tend to fixate on the aesthetics of their home, but it’s often the less visible parts that actually need the most attention. When it comes to your flooring, you might not realize just how essential a strong foundation is until it’s too late. This is why it’s crucial to pay close attention to the state of your subfloor. Just because it is hidden does not mean it should be neglected. 

What is Subflooring?

Subflooring is essentially the layer that sits between flooring surfaces such as tile, carpeting, or hardwood and your home’s foundation. Some older homes may only have a plywood subfloor, but more modern ones typically feature OSB (oriented strand board), which is an engineered wood product that resembles plywood and is also used for sheathing. The role of a subflooring system is to provide insulation and create a stable base to support the flooring that is directly above it.

4 Signs That Your Subfloor is Structurally Compromised

It’s important to regularly check and maintain your subflooring, but it can be difficult to keep up with all the necessary repairs if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Here are a few telltale signs that your subfloor may be structurally compromised:

Squeaky Floorboards

The term “creaking boards” doesn’t just refer to spooky noises in old horror movies. Squeaky floorboards are most likely the result of loosened nails or screws that have caused your subfloor to shift and become misaligned with the support beams. As your subflooring deteriorates, the floorboards rub against each other, creating that annoying squeaking sound.

Visible Floor Damage

When your subfloor is structurally compromised, it will begin to deteriorate from the inside out. As this happens, you’ll see visible changes in your flooring. For Tiles: Cracked tiles, chipping around the edges of tiles, and even hairline fractures along the grout lines are all signs that something is wrong with your subfloor. For Hardwood Flooring: Loosening and buckling of wood planks, rotting at the ends and edges, and cracks on your hardwood floor are all signs that your subflooring needs to be repaired. For Carpeting: Damage to the carpet fibers, visible dips in your flooring, and wrinkles or ripples in your carpeting are red flags that there may be an issue with your subflooring.

Unstable Flooring

A “bouncy” floor is another indicator that there is likely an issue with your subfloor. As the foundation and beams deteriorate, you’ll start to feel almost as though you’re walking on a trampoline instead of solid flooring.

Musty Smell

A musty smell is a common sign that there may be an issue with your subfloor. This is caused by moisture buildup as a result of faulty plumbing or drainage issues. As water seeps through the gaps and cracks in your subfloor, it will begin to rot and deteriorate, creating all sorts of problems for your floor and foundation.

What Causes Subfloor Damage?

There are three main causes of subfloor damage: water intrusion, termite infestation, and sinking foundation.

Water Intrusion

Water damage is probably the most common cause of subfloor deterioration. This can be attributed to leaky plumbing, cracks in your crawlspace walls, and even poorly constructed drainage systems. Water intrusion causes swelling and warping of wood fibers, which weakens the entire subflooring system.

Termite Infestation

Termites can cause immense structural damage to your subflooring. As they burrow through the wood beams and crawlspace walls, they weaken the entire foundation of your home. Termite infestation is an expensive problem, but also one that can be avoided by having regular termite inspections and treatments.

Sinking Foundation

Although it may seem like a rare case, a sinking foundation can also cause serious structural damage to your subfloor. As the beams and supporting pillars sink, the flooring above them will begin to crack and buckle as well.

Top-Rated Subfloor Repair and Reconstruction Services in Central Indiana

A+ Restoration provides quality subfloor repair and reconstruction services in the greater Indianapolis Metro area. Our subflooring restoration team offers a wide range of services including subfloor repair, subfloor ripping out and replacement, floor leveling, foundation damage repairs, and water damage restoration. Contact us today at (317) 676-5561 and let our IICRC-certified experts help restore your subfloor in no time and protect your Central Indiana home from any further damage.