Subfloor and Rain

[eidaj]

They began framing my house and unfortunatly it has rained quite a bit on the subfloor. I live in Michigan so we weren't expecting any rain in December, go figure. The material used is plywood but I don't know the grade etc, is there a way to tell by looking at the sheets? I already see some dilaminating and buckeling. Not sure if these are the right terms but basically the top layer in some areas is coming up, not the entire sheet but small areas starting at the edge. I also see some small areas that bubble/bulge upward. I'll try to take pictures. I have two questions:

1) Will this cause problems with the 3" solid hardwood flooring that is installed later?

2) Can they replace the subfloor if the walls are up? They have all the walls studded out on the first floor, can they work around these since they are nailed into the subfloor?

[Rich]

1) Most likely
2) It's not easy and most likely won't look all that nice.

[giddonah]

Why not build the house so the subfloors aren't part of the walls? When I renovate, it's irritating to have to deal with a subfloor that runs under the wall. Why not just nail the wall to the joists? I expect to hear something about the subfloor adding to the strength of the system, but can't that be worked round? I'm sure it would cost more, but I bet the homeowner in 20 years would love to be able to just rip up the floor and drop in a new one without disturbing the walls. Am I crazy?

[Dragon]

Gotta love AdvanTech!

[Cole]

Gotta love AdvanTech!

Yup, we are currently using it on all of our projects. :D

[MikeD]

Gotta love AdvanTech!

Yup, we are currently using it on all of our projects. :D

Ahh, you like OSB then or you changed you mind and stick with plywook?! :wink:

[MikeD]

Have you guys thought about using 30lb felts on subfloor before building walls and leave in place until after drywall/painting? You can trim along walls then roll up the mess! I was told to use 1/4" staples otherwise you'll have staples stuck in subfloor. Just wondering if anyone here thought about it.

[Dragon]

It would trap moisture against the subfloor and cause mold/rot.

[Tom R]

What's happening these days, - - at least in my area (central Jersey), - - they're selling 'Exposure I' as exterior plywood instead of CDX, - - and it's not nearly as weather resistant.

Those of us who 'know' request the CDX, - - and 'get' to pay X-tra!

But those who don't know, - - are the ones that REALLY have to pay!!

[Rich]

Yep - just went through that very thing. 6 bunks of 3/4" - called them and told them to take them back because they weren't CDX. They said it was the same thing - I said it wasn't what I ordered. They took it back :)

[Dragon]

To the original poster;

Start painting those floors. It will help to seal the top of the subfloor and minimize damage. Watersealer works too.

[MikeD]

Glad to find out about Exposure I, I'll stay away from that. BTW, would any watersealer work for plywood? Also, good point about possible water trapment beneath felt on subfloor.

[Dragon]

Since you are dealing with a temporary situation, yes any watersealer will do.

[Tom R]

Update on the CDX vs. 'Exposure I' plywood, - - I went to several suppliers in my area today (and called several others) and now no-one, repeat no-one in my area has CDX available anymore in anything other than 1/2", - - and I have a feeling that's going next. How convenient for the manufacturers to sell inferior products only that are destined to fail.

[giddonah]

I know this is probably a dead thread now, but I just came across a drawing recreated for your opinions:

Why not just tarp it?

[Vector]

BTW, on the CDX vs. Exposure 1 issue.

I have a piece of 1/2" Exposure 1 that's been sitting out in my backyard for three years.

That's through Minnesota winters, summers, freezing, sunlight, rain, etc.

It's very silvered, and there's a bit of mildew on the side that was towards the wall of the house, but there has been zero warping or delaminating.

Just used it to load my 5hp Ariens blower into the truck today.

[Tom R]

That's somewhat of a relief to hear, Vector, - - I had the opposite, - - a sheet that was out in my yard for 1 week, - - and only through two rains and it was already delaminating.

Hey, maybe it was just a 'one-time' thing, but that was enough to scare me away.

Would be interesting to hear from some others with good or bad opinions/experiences with the 'Exposure-I'.

[RRG]

Why not just tarp it?

That's what I did a couple of weeks ago.
Plan on treating the sub floor with a water seal before we start the log walls though.

[Cole]

Nice property, I wish Dallas had more areas like that.

[RRG]

Thanks Cole.
I love it out west too, but there is something about the hills of Kentucky....

[RRG]

So I am ready to head down this weekend and apply a water sealant to the subfloor.
Anyone know off the top of their head, which brand might be good to apply with daytime temps of mid to upper 50's and nighttime lows in the mid to upper 30's?

Figured I would check here before spending two hours reading labels at Home Depot.