Hello, We’ve just had a few small issues with the top floor bedroom subfloor in our new build. Mainly that we could feel a few screw heads through the carpet and a little bit creaky. The developer has tried to repair a few times and now they’ve put down some two part epoxy filler (lots) over most of the joints. Just wondering if this sounds ok as not sure if this kind of filler is suitable for tongue and groove chipboard floorboards? We don’t know why they really had to use any filler at all as this wasn’t the problem that we mentioned to them. We just want to make sure the floor lasts well as it looks really patched up already and it’s only a few months old.
More than likely your house was built, floor installed, but no roof was on. I see it all the time. It will probably never be repaired to your satisfaction. Let the builder know your not happy, and say if it can`t be fixed to your satisfaction, you will be going to NHBC
Thanks for your reply. I had the feeling this could be the case. Do you have any tips about the ideal best solution? I was wondering how intrusive it would be to replace the middle affected boards (maybe 16?) and not interfere with the ones at the edges connected to the skirting? We don’t want too much disruption but obviously something isn’t right to need that much filler. We also want to weigh up the risk of any further repairs causing knock on issues in other areas like the decoration and also ceilings underneath, Just wondering what the best practice is for putting these boards down properly? Is glue needed underneath or just screws?
Sorry to be the bearer of further bad news, but I doubt the builder will have a trade who can complete an adequate repair. Of course I could be wrong. Its difficult to say without seeing the extent of the damage, but I see this all the time, and I have never seen a proper repair. Normally they try some additional fixings, then some expanding pu adhesive, which may help for a short period of time. The problem with removing the centre boards, is they are T&G so interlock, and thats where the strength comes from. I dare say, it could be battened out, and fixed well enough, but new builders don`t want to waste there money on such things.
Thanks for the info, it’s really appreciated. I’ve attached a photo as an example - it’s like this across about 12-16 boards…does this seem any better or worse than the kind of thing that you’ve seen before? Really disappointed with it.
Also, the filler was Ronseal High Performance Wood Filler. Not sure at all if that’s good for flooring as it might not be too flexible? Does anyone know how long the smell is likely to last? It’s still pretty strong after a day
If the boards have any movement, that filler will soon be cracked. It is difficult to tell from the picture, but I would say what they have done is a waste of time. To be fair, I have seen worse. Much, much worse. That`s not to say there is no issue with yours. If your not happy, shout about it !
Thanks. I’ve told the developer and apparently they’ve said the epoxy filler shouldn’t move/crack? Which I’m a bit dubious of. I think we’ll wait and see over the next few weeks. Reassuring to hear that you’ve seen worse….not that ours isn’t bad though
No worries. The filler will crack. It won`t expand/contract at the same rate as the chipboard. It will also crack due to movement. Have a party in the room, and that will speed it up nicely.....
Do the boards bounce more than a different room that isn't as bad? I'm on 2 new builds at the minute and like Neil said, yours doesn't look as bad as one of them I'm in but they dont creek etc, just not levelled best. Customer is having karndean throughout the whole floor and I've told the site manager that they need sorting before I board it out with the plywood but he's telling me to sort it and bill them.....yeah right
It was only a tiny bit squeaky. It doesn’t sag at all. That’s the weird thing, we didn’t expect them to put down all this filler really, maybe just add a few screws but nothing like this. Wish we’d just left it as it was rather than having the cracked filler potentially to deal with in the future too…
Hi , the boards are normally glued onto the joists . The nails/screws just hold the boards while this sets , adding more screws now will have no effect . As above the boards are moisture resistant but the edges will swell up if left exposed for too long , it looks like the filler is to smooth out any steps . Often the squeaky floor will actually be the internal wall . The joists will move up and down and stress the metal studwork in the walls.
Thanks for the info, really appreciate it. Yeah, I think the was filler being used to level out some ridges/steps. But we couldn’t really feel them through the carpet. It still smells of the fumes now….hopefully this doesn’t mean the epoxy hasn’t cured?