Living with an uneven subfloor can be a real pain in the neck. It can cause creaky floors, uneven surfaces, and even structural damage. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to fix an uneven subfloor, and with a little bit of effort, you can have a level floor in no time!
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What Causes Uneven Subfloors?
There are a few different things that can cause an uneven subfloor. One common cause is moisture. Over time, moisture can seep into the ground beneath your home, causing the soil to expand and push up on the subfloor. Another common cause is poor construction. If the subfloor was not properly supported when it was installed, it can begin to sag and become uneven.
How to Identify Uneven Subfloors
There are a few different ways to identify an uneven subfloor. One way is to simply look at the floor and see if there are any obvious dips or bumps. Another way is to use a level. Place the level on the floor in different areas, and check to see if the bubble is level. If the bubble is not level, then the floor is uneven.
How to Fix Uneven Subfloors
There are a few different ways to fix an uneven subfloor. One common method is to use shims. Shims are thin pieces of wood that can be inserted between the subfloor and the joists (the beams that support the subfloor). By inserting shims in the low areas, you can level out the floor. Another common method is to use self-leveling compound. Self-leveling compound is a pourable material that will flow into and fill in the low areas of the floor, leveling it out. Finally, you can also use a combination of shims and self-leveling compound to fix an uneven subfloor.
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Using shims to fix an uneven subfloor
Materials you will need:
Shims
Hammer
Level
Caulk gun
Caulk
Instructions:
- Start by identifying the low areas of the floor. Use a level to check the floor in different areas, and mark the low areas with a pencil.
- Cut the shims to size. The shims should be cut to the same height as the low area.
- Insert the shims into the low areas. Use a hammer to tap the shims into place, but be careful not to damage the subfloor.
- Level the shims. Once the shims are in place, use a level to check the floor again. If the floor is not level, then adjust the shims until it is.
- Caulk the shims. Once the shims are level, caulk the edges of the shims to prevent them from moving.
How To Fix Uneven Subfloor
Using self-leveling compound to fix an uneven subfloor
Materials you will need:
Self-leveling compound
Mixing bucket
Mixing drill
Pouring bucket
Squeegee
Spike roller
Instructions:
- Prepare the floor. Clean the floor thoroughly and remove any debris or dirt.
- Mix the self-leveling compound. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the self-leveling compound.
- Pour the self-leveling compound. Pour the self-leveling compound onto the floor, starting in the low areas.
- Spread the self-leveling compound. Use a squeegee to spread the self-leveling compound around the floor, filling in the low areas.
- Roll the self-leveling compound. Once the self-leveling compound has been spread, use a spike