Several factors must be considered if you plan to replace a wooden floor. Wooden subfloors can be found in older homes and offices and require proper maintenance to avoid problems like moisture damage, cracking, and wood rot.
If your floor has been damaged, it’s critical to replace it to prevent additional structural problems.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about replacing a wooden floor, including how much it will cost, what steps to take, and what other good flooring options.
The Importance of Wooden Floor Maintenance
Wooden floors bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any home or office. In older homes, it’s not uncommon to find a beautiful parquet or plank floor with a wooden beam subfloor.
However, if the subfloor is not properly ventilated or if there’s dampness, rising dampness can result in problems like mold and wood rot. In these situations, the wooden floor must be replaced, and a concrete floor should be installed as a new subfloor.
If your wooden floor creaks or feels chilly, try using carpet as a floor covering. The carpet is soft and insulating, making it an excellent choice for keeping your feet warm.
Identifying and Replacing a Rotting Wooden Floor
You can recognize wood rot by the discoloration and the fact that the floorboards have become soft. If you see carpet bulging, it’s another sign of moisture or wood rot.
If the rot is addressed on time, you may only have to replace a small part of the floor. However, it’s essential to identify and address the cause of the wood rot to prevent it from recurring.
Reasons for Wooden Floor Breakage
A healthy wooden floor can bear a considerable amount of weight. However, if the floor is damaged, it can break differently.
The most common cause of breakage is contact pressure, which occurs when a joist head starts to rot in the subfloor.
If the pressure becomes too great, the wooden beam will give way, and the floor will break. Shear is another reason for breakage, which occurs when there’s too much tension on the beam where the floor rests on the foundation.
If this tension becomes too great, horizontal or vertical cracks can occur, causing the bar to break. Finally, as wooden beams age, they can bend so far that they suddenly break.
Costs of Replacing a Wooden Floor
When replacing a wooden floor with concrete, the cost can range anywhere from $100 to $150 per square foot. The amount you’ll pay ultimately depends on the size of your floor and the specific type of flooring you decide to go with.
It is critical to remember that the cost per square foot lowers as the floor space grows.
There are several options available. It is critical to remember that the cost per square foot lowers as the floor space grows. Or new flooring, such as foam concrete, a brand-new wooden floor, a beam or roll floor, and a floor poured directly onto a sand bed.
Steps to Replace a Wooden Floor
Wooden floors can deteriorate over time and may need to be replaced. If you’re considering replacing your wooden floor with a concrete one, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the process involved.
Demolition of the Old Floor
The old hardwood floor must be removed first before constructing a new concrete floor. This process involves cutting through the wooden parts and completely removing them.
In some cases, if the floor is too shallow, further excavation may be necessary to create enough space for the new concrete floor.
Inspection and Possible Replacement of Pipes and Sewers
Before laying the foundation for the concrete floor, it’s important to inspect pipes and sewers and replace them if necessary.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation must be provided to ensure proper airflow and to prevent moisture buildup.
Foundation
The next step is to lay the foundation for the concrete floor. It’s important to consult with a contractor to determine the best foundation for your needs. Options include a well-compacted layer of sand or piles.
Interior Walls
The interior walls should be foundations separately on the floor. Additionally, the subfloor should be insulated, and 2 cm of insulation should be placed against the walls to prevent any damage in case of subsidence.
Foil
A foil should be applied to prevent water from running off when the concrete is poured.
Pipes
The pipes for electricity, water supply and drainage, central heating, gas, internet, and protective pipes should be laid on the floor.
Compartments
For larger floors, it’s recommended to make separate compartments with a concrete pouring capacity of one day. This way, you can fill up a section every day if pouring concrete for several days.
Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement should be applied to prevent cracks in the floor.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating can be laid on or on the concrete floor.
Pouring and Finishing
The final step is to pour the concrete, level it, and apply the finishing floor.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to replace your wooden floor with durable concrete. Don’t hesitate to consult with a contractor to ensure the process is done correctly and efficiently.
To wrap things up, replacing a wooden floor can be a bit complex. However, with the right information and preparation, you can be confident that your new floor will be durable and visually appealing.