Subfloor Replacement in Kansas City, MO

We begin by removing all furniture and belongings from the space where we'll be working. This protects your possessions and gives us room to work efficiently. All flooring materials covering the damaged subfloor must be carefully removed.

For hardwood floors, we use specialized pry bars to lift planks without damaging surrounding areas. Carpet and padding are rolled up and set aside or disposed of according to your preference. We take special care with baseboards and trim, removing them intact when possible for later reinstallation.

Floor patching materials from previous repairs are also removed to ensure we start with a clean slate. Our crew disposes of all debris promptly, keeping your home as tidy as possible throughout the process.

Safety is our top priority during every subfloor replacement project. We implement multiple precautions to protect both our workers and your home.

We always shut off electricity to the work area if we'll be using power tools near wiring. Proper ventilation is established using fans to manage dust and fumes from adhesives. Our team wears appropriate safety gear including gloves, eye protection, and knee pads.

Drop cloths and plastic sheeting protect adjacent areas from dust and debris. We create clear pathways through your home for material removal and delivery to prevent accidents or damage to your property.

If your subfloor damage was caused by water or mold, we take extra precautions to test surrounding areas and ensure all affected materials are properly removed and the area is completely dry before installation begins.

We begin by carefully removing your current flooring material. This might be hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile. Each material requires specific tools and techniques to prevent damage to surrounding areas.

For hardwood floors, we use specialized pry bars that minimize splintering. Laminate and vinyl typically come up in sections, which we carefully document if any pieces need to be preserved.

Sheet vinyl often hides multiple subfloor issues, so we take extra care during removal. Our team looks for signs of water damage or soft spots that might indicate deeper problems.

After the main flooring is removed, we tackle any remaining adhesives or fasteners. This prep work is crucial for ensuring the new subfloor will have a clean, solid foundation.

Once we expose the subfloor, our inspection becomes more thorough. We check each joist for signs of rot or structural weakness. Rotten joists can't support new materials and must be addressed immediately.

Floor joist upgrades are often necessary in older homes. We might recommend sistering (reinforcing existing joists with new lumber) or complete joist replacement if deterioration is extensive.

We pay special attention to areas around plumbing and HVAC systems. These are common sources of moisture that can damage supporting structures over time.

Our team measures floor levelness at this stage. Uneven joists can cause future flooring failures, so we correct any issues before installing the new subfloor.

We primarily use two materials for subfloor replacement: plywood and oriented strand board (OSB). Plywood offers excellent strength and moisture resistance, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. It costs a bit more but provides superior durability.

OSB (oriented strand board) is more budget-friendly while still delivering good performance. It works well in most residential applications with normal moisture levels.

The thickness we select depends on your specific needs:

• 5/8" - Standard for most residential applications
• 3/4" - Provides extra stability for tile or stone flooring
• 1" or thicker - For specialized applications or commercial spaces

We always match or upgrade the thickness of your existing subfloor to ensure proper door clearances and transitions between rooms.

Proper installation begins with careful measurements. We cut each panel to fit precisely, leaving 1/8" expansion gaps between panels and at walls.

We use a staggered pattern when laying panels. This prevents weak spots and distributes weight more evenly across your floor structure.

Securing the panels properly is crucial. We use:

• Ring-shank nails or screws specifically designed for subfloors
• A fastener pattern of every 6" along edges and 8" in the field
• Construction adhesive between the joists and panels for extra stability

This combination eliminates squeaks and prevents panels from loosening over time. We take extra care around vents, pipes, and other floor penetrations to ensure a perfect fit.

All our subfloor installations meet or exceed local building codes. We understand Kansas City's specific requirements for residential and commercial subfloor installations.

We check floor joist spacing and condition during installation. If joists need reinforcement, we'll address this before laying the new subfloor.

Level and flat surfaces are essential. We use laser levels to ensure the entire subfloor surface is within 1/8" of level across 10 feet. This prevents future flooring problems.

For multi-story buildings, we also consider sound transmission. Adding acoustic underlayment or using specialized subfloor systems can dramatically reduce noise between floors.

Final inspection includes checking all fasteners, testing for squeaks, and verifying the subfloor's stability. You can be confident your new floors will have a solid foundation.

We begin by sanding any uneven joints or high spots on your new subfloor. This crucial step prevents those annoying squeaks and bouncy spots that can develop over time. Our professional-grade sanders remove all rough edges and splinters that might damage your top flooring.

For concrete subfloors, we use specialized leveling compounds to fill low spots. Wood subfloors sometimes require planing to achieve perfect flatness. We measure with precision tools to ensure the surface variation stays within 1/8 inch over any 6-foot span.

Proper leveling prevents premature wear of your new flooring and extends its lifespan. A smooth subfloor means your laminate won't click when walked on, or your hardwood won't develop gaps between boards.

We conduct thorough moisture testing using professional moisture meters on both wood and concrete subfloors. The readings must fall below specific thresholds (typically under 12% for wood) before proceeding.

For areas prone to moisture, we install appropriate vapor barriers and moisture membranes. These protective layers prevent future damage and mold growth under your new flooring.

We carefully tape all seams in the moisture barrier to create a complete seal. This step is especially important in basement installations or areas near bathrooms and kitchens.

Our safety checks also include ensuring all fasteners are properly countersunk and that the subfloor is securely attached to the joists below.