CONCRETE

The site in general 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 ensure 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 importantly, 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 ensure 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.

To find out more speak to one of our professionals

EXISTING FLOOR BOARDS

Most existing wood floorboards are soft wood such as White or Red Deal, and usually face nailed onto existing joists. The majority of these are usually not insulated but are vented. This varies from house to house and depends on the style of the house, the year it was built etc. Some important notes to check are – The integrity of the existing floorboards, are they gapping? Are they cupped or concaved? Are they extraordinarily noisy or squeaky? Can you feel excessive movement under foot? Is there any signs of decay or woodworm? Are there any signs of watermarks? Is the floor line dropping below the skirting line?

Although the above list sounds complicated, the vast majority of softwood floor substrates are deemed structurally sound and stable and are more than capable of providing a base for your new hardwood floor.

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