Question:

Hi: I had my bathroom remodel about 5 years ago, not it seem that when they did the remodel the put a seam in the OSB in the center of the toilet bowl and it seems the toilet never sealed and now the floor has rotted out, and must be replaced. I wonder Which to use OSB or Plywood. everyone seems to have a different opinion. HELP

Answer:

I would use plywood but the real issue is making sure you have the same thickness of subfloor in the repair area than you have in the rest of the floor. Cut out the rotting floor to the point where you have good solid flooring left; I suspect this will only require a few square feet of flooring to be removed; not the entire floor. Cut a patch of plywood to fit the area; screw support pieces of 2 x 4 to the neighbouring joists to which your plywood will be screwed. Test the floor by standing on it to ensure there is no weak area. also check the toilet flange and plumbing below it as the rotting floor may have allowed the toilet to rock on the plumbing and possibly crack it. any evidence of leaks in the plumbing itself (not the seal) should be cause to replace that portion. When all is done, screw the flange tight to the plywood and your toilet and seal should be held secure. Bob Bathrooms First Inc. www.bathroomsfirst.ca

Answered By: Bob Steele

More Questions & Answers ...