Sub-Floor Preparation and Levelling

Sub-Floor Preparation and Levelling

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Let’s take some of the unknown out of the mysterious art of sub-floor preparation and levelling!

If you are working with a professional flooring company, floor preparation and levelling should always be a point of discussion from the very beginning. A budget for the work needs to be discussed and set aside by the client in preparation for the preparation and levelling work.

Did you know that virtually no flooring manufacturer will provide you a warranty on their product unless the sub-floor it is installed on is flat (not level; there is a crucial difference) to a tolerance of 3/16” over a 10’ span? (carpet excepted). Don’t get caught without a warranty by neglecting this crucial step!

In the industry, floor levelling is typically charged “by the bag” and due to the high variability from project to project, the cost is not included in most contracts. That being said, make sure that your contract clearly states how the cost for sub-floor preparation will be calculated: How much per bag of self-levelling compoud? How much per man-hour for grinding, scraping or shaving? How much money to supply and install new plywood sheets? Do not go into a contract with a flooring contractor without having all these potential costs agreed upon up-front.

Each bag of self-levelling compound contains 50-pounds of cement, which is then mixed with water to create a semi-fluid substance which will fill the low areas of the sub-floor. The total number of bags requierd to reach the 3/16″ over 10′ tolerance will vary (sometimes widely) from project to project. This being the case, the cost for sub-floor levelling is not typically included in your base contract and will be included as an add-on cost once the work is completed.

Keep in mind that the cost charged by your flooring contractor is not “just” for the bag of cement. Included in the per-bag cost of floor levelling is:

1. Pickup and transport to site of the cement

2. Prepping the area so it is clean and the cement doesn’t leak to levels below

3. Applying the correct primer to ensure a good bond (the primer used in this photo, Mapei Primer T, dries clear)

4. The skill and years of expertise to know how and where to apply the cement.

If you are starting the process of getting a new floor, please feel free reach out to one of our professional project managers to discuss your project – including  sub-floor preparation and levelling – by using our convenient online calendar HERE.

Our showroom is also always open for walk-ins, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. We are located at 2270 Dollarton Hwy #110, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1A8

Finally, if you prefer email, you are welcome to fill out the form below and we will be in touch shortly!

 

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