Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: How To Replace Molded Bathroom Floor Joists

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Carpentry and Framing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 10 Jan 2002
Time: 09:15 PM

Comments

If your floor has been water damaged from both a leaking toilet and shower, you first need to establish the total extent of the damage or dry rot. If the shower has been leaking, you may also need to remove the shower and/or shower pan, possibly resulting in total replacement of the shower.

Conceptually, however, you need to cut away all the existing subfloor that's damaged. If the joists underneath are also decaying due to rot, these will neet to be replaced...or the damaged parts repaired or reinforced.

Once the substructure has been repaired, install new plywood sublfooring and new shower pan or unit. Of course, if you want to tile the floors, we generally recommend floating the subfloor with a minimum 1" mortar base (with wire reinforcement over a suitable waterproofing membrane). The mortar base can be leveled out to compensate for minor variations in the floor.

Then, finish off the bathroom as you would with any new construction...and make sure the toilet is properly sealed with reinforced wax rings to prevent future damage.

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