Problems with chipboard floors

Contessa

Part of the kitchen floor was "springy/soft". After lifting up the lino we have found some of the chipboard is crumbling. There are also 2 other suspect areas-in the hallway and in the dining room. We've just lifted up part of the dining room carpet and have found the chipboard is damp. Any advice as to cause or remedy please?

stebiz

Contessa wrote: »

Part of the kitchen floor was "springy/soft". After lifting up the lino we have found some of the chipboard is crumbling. There are also 2 other suspect areas-in the hallway and in the dining room. We've just lifted up part of the dining room carpet and have found the chipboard is damp. Any advice as to cause or remedy please?

I have never understood why builders cut corners in using chipboard on floors. Not only do they suffer with the same problem as you describe, but they are a real nuisance when trying to access pipes.

There are a number of reasons that could cause dampness, but really the only way to deal with it, is by removing any floor covering, and also removing the affected chipboard. Then you can look to see if there are any leaks, dampcourse issues etc. Once that has been rectified you could then replace with tongue/groove or if possible concrete.

Good Luck
Stebiz

ormus

the only way to fix it is to remove all the bad stuff and replace it.
i would use either marine ply or proper wood floor boards.
chipboord is ok in the loft. its no good at all for downstairs suspended floors. but its cheap!

keystone

stebiz wrote: »

..........but they are a real nuisance when trying to access pipes.

as is any sheet flooring.

.......then replace with tongue/groove or if possible concrete.

Neither of which give problems when trying to access pipes or cables of course.

Cheers

keystone

ormus wrote: »

the only way to fix it is to remove all the bad stuff and replace it.

100%.

i would use either marine ply or proper wood floor boards.

Blimee Ormus you got a lot of dosh for marine ply? IMO WPB ply is fine @ well under half the price.

chipboord is ok in the loft. its no good at all for downstairs suspended floors. but its cheap!

Its OK if its proper flooring grade stuff unless you are tiling then its a no no - but your right, for the builder its cheap!

Cheers

moonrakerz

Contessa wrote: »

Part of the kitchen floor was "springy/soft". After lifting up the lino we have found some of the chipboard is crumbling. There are also 2 other suspect areas-in the hallway and in the dining room. We've just lifted up part of the dining room carpet and have found the chipboard is damp. Any advice as to cause or remedy please?

I had this problem in my last house - present house has good old fashioned floor boards !

I came to the conclusion that the problem occurred mainly over hot water pipes - possibly the heat is breaking down the adhesive that holds the chipboard together. Are you sure yours is damp - not "tacky" ?

All you can do is cut out the defective areas and replace with timber - if you can get the same thickness !

stebiz

keystone wrote: »

as is any sheet flooring.

Neither of which give problems when trying to access pipes or cables of course.

Cheers

I agree about any sheet flooring. Question is 'Would you rather access cables under tongue/groove or chipboard??;)

Contessa

Thank you all for your helpful replies. We've decided that the best course of action is to replace the entire kitchen floor. We are intending to put the house on the market as soon as we can (had already decided to do this!) so need to get the flooring problem sorted prior to this.