soft spots in floor

[jeff13624]

I have a 73 mobile home that has soft spots in the floor throughout the home. Knowing that these floors are sawdust board, I am considering laying a new OSB floor over the top of the existing floor. I am figuring 1/2 inch OSB, or wood it be a better choice to use 3/4 inch t&g. Thanks in advance for any input.
Jeff

[Greg]

It can and has been done, but I would advise against just laying new over the top of old. I would remove the old particle board and then put OSB or plywood down.

Just going over the top can open the door to a whole set of new problems should (when) the Particle board falls apart under the new OSB.

Do it once, do it right.

Greg

[bobfather99]

Tear out the old particle board, replace with new plywood. I would recommend 3/4" thickness if at all possible, for strength.

[hhb]

Also look into Advantech for subfloor. It's built to withstand moisture. Never used it myself, just going by what others have said, looks like a good product.

http://www.advantechperforms.com/produc ... oring.aspx

[dogbone]

I recommend putting down some dryply if you have the money it makes for a solid floor and is water proof i put some in my kitchen and plan to put through out my place. http://www.menards.com/main/building-ma ... 501363.htm

[Greg S]

My opinion is that your decision should be based on the present value of the home, present overall condition, future life expectancy of the home and the length of time you realistically intend to remain in the home. Removing the old floor is a major project which will disrupt the entire home.
Placing 3/4 ply over the old flooring is quicker and realistically may last for the time you remain in the home or possibly for the remaining life of the home itself based on the fact that it is now reaching 40 years old.

There is no point in spending the money and time to do a body job on a $100 car that has 500,000 miles on the engine unless the future value warrants the cost and effort to the owner.

[JD]

I would certainly use 3/4 ply, actually 23/32" and I usually use Sturdi-Floor tongue and groove panels. I have also used the Advantech product and it is very good stuff. 1/2" ply or OSB board would be very spongy. I can bend the corner of a sheet with one hand. Way back in the old days, before all this fractions of 32nds stuff happened to the thickness of plywood, 5/8" was a bit spongy too.