Looking for some feedback on the use of floor leveling compounds as a way to level out a floor (1/2″ plywood over planks) before installing new hardwood flooring. There is 3/8″ sag in one area, 1/4″ in another, spread is over about 8′. The room size is 14’x18′. I read in a previous FHB article (not sure date) that these compounds may dry out over time and become crumbly and that they should be avoided for this purpose. Has this been your experience? I’m open to other ideas.
Thanks in advance.
Replies
Why not shim the "planks". Are the Planks" laid on an uneven concrete floor below, or ???.
I wish I had some pics for you Darren. I wouldn't use any levelling compound, rather try using different thicknesses of ply and luan and taper them out to form a better "bridge" for the hardwood. You could also use different thicknesses of roofing felt to make it a smoother transition once the ply is down. I've used #15 up to #90 for shimming some areas.
Ken Fisher
Edited 6/6/2002 6:54:10 PM ET by Fish
Darrenchilds:
Can you not get to the floor joist and jack them up, then add more support?
charlie
The floor is over a full basement, so I can get to the floor joists. The joists are 3x8 timbers, 20" o.c., span 14'. For a sag of this size, what are the pros/cons to jacking up the joists and adding additional support, versus just shim the planks as suggested? I dont have a jack for this purpose, so would need to rent or purchase one. There doesnt seem to be much of any deflection in the joists when we are walking/jumping around on them, but they are old, 150 yrs+. Seems like this sag might be "normal" for a house this old..?
On the felt idea, do you think the larger thickness of the felt would have a noticeable give to it when the finished floor is being walked on? Or is the material dense enough so it really wouldnt be noticed, especially since it'll be under hardwood?
Thanks for the ideas, guys.
The problem you run into is that your floor flexes or moves. Very small patches and not very thick layer of floor leveling compound will work most of the time but not in large areas like yours. As said the only way to fix your floor would be to shim it thus still allowing it to move.
Ah, the "planks" are joists.
My brother had almost your exact problem. Took a little work but he bolted 3/16 by 2 inch steel straps to the bottom of each joist while the joist was jacked to about 1/16" at center above level position, jack removed after all bolts tight. Recall he used 3" by 3/8" lag bolts in tight holes in steel, about 3 inch spacing on outer 3 feet, then about 6 inch spacing near the center span. note: he got the bolts free, may not be cost effective in your case, about 200+ bolts he used, drove'm home quick with air impact wrench.
Well, I like the air impact deal. I did close to the same thing on three different houses with a 1/4 inch rachet . [no more ] Im a carp with air rachets now !!!!!!lol Im slow to catch on but when I get it !!!!!!! lol
Tim Mooney