What Is A Subfloor?
A subfloor is the structural layer of flooring that sits beneath the finished floor surface and serves as its base. Typically made of materials like plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or concrete, the subfloor provides support and stability to the finished floor above, helping to distribute weight and reduce the risk of damage.
Function
- Structural Support: The subfloor supports the weight of furniture, people, and appliances, ensuring that the finished floor remains stable and secure.
- Moisture Barrier: In some cases, especially in areas like basements, a subfloor can help protect against moisture intrusion. It may be installed with a vapor barrier to minimize water damage.
- Leveling: A subfloor can help level uneven surfaces, providing a smooth foundation for the finished floor, whether it's hardwood, tile, carpet, or laminate.
Installation
- Material Choice: The type of subfloor material can depend on the finished flooring type, the location of the installation (e.g., above ground, basement), and local building codes.
- Thickness: Subfloor thickness is crucial; typical thickness ranges from 1/2 inch to 1 inch, depending on the load and spacing of the floor joists.
- Preparation: The underlying structure must be clean, dry, and level before installing the subfloor to ensure a proper fit and function.
Maintenance
Regular inspections of the subfloor can help identify issues such as water damage, mold growth, or structural concerns. Addressing these problems early can prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of both the subfloor and the finished flooring.
The subfloor is a crucial component of a flooring system, providing support, insulation, and a stable base for the surfaces we walk on every day. Proper installation and maintenance are key to a durable and comfortable floor. Need help with your subfloor? ProMaster can repair existing subflooring or install one new. Call us today to schedule.
About ProMaster Home Repair and Handyman
ProMaster has served the greater Cincinnati area with excellence since 2007. Our company has won numerous awards for excellence in craftsmanship and ethics. Most recently, in 2022, Expertise.com named ProMaster one of Cincinnati’s top handyman companies and top deck contractors.
When you work with ProMaster, you get:
- On-Time, Professional Service: We show up when we say we will and set exact times for appointment. No four-hour windows here.
- Family-Friendly Craftsmen: We conduct exhaustive background checks on all employees. Our craftsmen are family-oriented, just like you.
- Quality and Experience: Our multi-disciplined craftsmen are rigorously screened with skill and tool assessments. We only work with our own employees - no subcontractors here. This ensures the best possible work quality for you.
- Trustworthiness: We’re a BBB accredited business with more than 15 years of experience serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. We’ve served thousands of satisfied customers and have seen countless types of home repair projects.
How to Schedule an Evaluation
- Call our office at 513-322-2914
- Submit a service request form - yes, we’ll actually respond!
- Use our online booking service to schedule immediately.
- Email us your service request at [email protected]
ProMaster has a standard service call charge of $79 for the time and travel cost to get a Home Repair Hero to your property. We can diagnose a problem and complete multiple project estimates for that fee of $79. No additional service charges apply when you invite us back to complete your projects.
Your meeting will be with a professional craftsman who is an employee of our company. He won’t be a subcontractor. He won’t be a salesperson. He’ll show up on time to give you your estimate.
Once you confirm your evaluation date and time, we’ll send you emails with more information about ProMaster. Your craftsman will call to introduce himself prior to your meeting to introduce himself and answer any questions you may have.