I just finished renovating my basement. I installed Resilient Channel at 5/8″ Drywall. Unfortunately, I pulled off the 1×3 strapping. Not knowing it was probably helping to remove floor vibration. It vibrated before with strapping but it seems worse now.
Specs: Ceiling is approx. 7.5-8′ tall. Joist are 2x10s, 16OC. They are not engineered lumber. Probably spruce. RC runs perpendicular to joist. Room with vibration is approx. 16′ x 20′. Joist run 16′ from 2×6 load bearing wall in basement to the concrete exterior wall. No metal beams or post in this area. Any suggestions?
I’m contemplating removing the upstairs hardwood flooring and replacing it with ceramic tile for rigidity or some other floor assembly with may include a scratch coat of cement, anti vibration pads/ cork or another layer of OSB. I’m desperate.
Replies
Is this a winter or seasonal event?
Glued and screwed subfloor?
Thanks.
More questions:
- When was the house constructed (year)?
- What is the grade stamp on the joists?
- Confirm that the clear span of the joists is 16'-0.
- Any idea what the subfloor sheathing is? (thickness & material)
16' span for 2x10 joist 16" c/c seems at bit too much to avoid the trampoline effect.
Calvin's questions are also appropriate.
In my opinion it would be easier to tear out the basement ceiling and sister the joists or add joists between the existing. I don’t see tile or anything else fixing the problem from the top. Maybe a layer of subfloor. If it’s moving that much tile grout will just crack.
I agree with "primitive", that the fix needs to come from below. You mentioned tearing out the 1x3 strapping, but didn't mention adding in any solid blocking. If you installed blocking every 4' along the joists, the floor would be stiffened substantially. Blocking could be installed without tearing down the resilient channel. Otherwise, sistering joists or long 3/4" plywood strips would certainly help.
I'm assuming the basement bearing wall was built with the studs lining up with the joists to maximize the load transfer to the basement floor...
Floor vibration can be a tricky issue to address, especially in older homes or when using certain types of flooring materials. It often comes down to the spacing and size of the joists, as well as how the subfloor is attached. Adding blocking or sistering the joists can help reduce the bounce and make the floor feel more solid. It’s definitely worth taking the time to investigate the structure and find the best solution to keep things sturdy!