I have a attached garage (16'x20') that was turned into a familyroom probably 25 yrs. ago when my husband bought the house. My husband died last March and I have been trying to get the house "updated". Yesterday my daughter, a friend, and myself got the old carpet tore out. There is a raised floor except around the corner where the well subpump is. There are a couple places in the 4x8 sheets of plywood that are little "cushy". My question is, do I have to tear out this old plywood floor (thereby leaving no place for the reclining loveseat and another heavy object to set) or can I leave that flooring down and just lay new 4x8 sheets (in the opposite direction)? The carpet we took out smelled of pee so can I "seal" the plywood down there now (and with what) and then lay 1 or 2 layers of new "plywood" over the old? I want to lay down sheet vinyl so there will need to be a seam someplace. I'd like to get this started asap. and still need to hire someone to do it.This message has been edited. Last edited by: indycatCarol,
I'd want to know why they are squishy before I put another layer on top.
Things to look at:
1. Moisture content of the wood. If it is high burying it under another layer of wood won't fix the problem. There are meters available to test the moisture content of the wood. 2. Rot, is the wood rotted at all? If so, the moisture content is likely high as well, see point 1. 3. Support, is this on sleepers? If so, what is the spacing? 4. Sealing the wood may solve the urine smell, if it is only a piece or two, I'd tear it out and replace it.
Here is a link for some moisture meters that are available for sale. They are pretty inexpensive so rather than trying to find someone that has one you might just buy it. Moisture Meters A quick check on line says the moisture content should be less than 19%. Do a websearch on moisture content for framing lumber for details and more information. I haven't read all of the information on the search I got, but 19% seemed to be consensus.
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
May 07, 2012, 11:16 PM
indycatCarol
Thank you, Sparky, for your information. I will see if I can find a moisture meter locally.
Ended up tearing out all the old flooring and started from scratch. Before, you had to go down 3 steps into the room (old attached garage converted to family room) so we raised the floor, new thicker wood and sub floor. My daughter and I laid the 12"x36" vinyl stick to each other floor for a floating floor. Only took us 5 1/2 hrs. to do the 16'x20' area. I decided to stagger the tiles for a change.