Sub-floor Preparation

Concrete

The site in generally must be weather tight with all windows and doors fitted and the heating system commissioned and on. All wet work must be complete at this stage.

Check and make sure that the concrete sub-floor is level and flat to a max tolerance of 3mm under a 2mm straight edge – Building Regulations EU norm
Insure that the concrete sub-floor is clear of all surface defects such as plaster lumps, dirt, sand, liquid spills etc. Check all cracks and be sure that the slab is structurally sound.

Most important, check with a Hygrometer or similar electronic device such as Tramax that the moisture content of the concrete is 2.5 or less. To find out more speak to one of our professionals.

Sheet material (Plywood / Particle Board, etc.)

This is a common enough sub-floor usually used upstairs in bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms etc. This is an ideal sub-floor for wood flooring especially if using a floating floor application.However there are certain things you need to know and check.All sheet material is not the same; make sure that the sheet material is to EU standard.If it is particleboard, make sure the density of the board is resilient enough to give a good purchase for the flooring nails or pins if you are fitting a solid hardwood floor.Make sure the boards are securely screwed to the joists and not nailed.Look out for cupping between boards and that they are sound underfoot.Always check the moisture content of the boards as they vary a lot from the wood floor you are about to install.