Subfloor preparation – The critical groundwork for your flooring

The lifespan of your flooring, regardless as to whether you’re installing carpeting, vinyl or any other form of flooring, is wholly dependent upon the quality of the subfloor. Despite this, subfloors are often overlooked and disregarded, leading to flooring that doesn’t last as long as it should. Here we explain how you can do your flooring justice with proper preparation.

General subfloor necessities

Regardless as to the material of your subfloor, it needs to be structurally robust, flat and even. There mustn’t be any chips, cracks or splits, and you must also clean off any adhesives or remnants left over from previous flooring institutions. Should a carpet be installed where there are bumps, holes or cracks, this will result in uneven wear and tear – potentially leading to rips and certainly ensuring your carpet doesn’t last as long as its given lifespan.

Dealing with concrete, wood or metal subfloors

Concrete subfloors

Concrete subfloors demand a moisture test, ensuring that the moisture levels don’t surpass 75%. If your floor has moisture content above this, and you lack the time to allow it to dry naturally, you should install a surface damp-proof membrane. Ideally you should ensure that the concrete is cured, clean and dried thoroughly. Where your moisture level readings have come in under the 75%, and you’ve completed the priming, you should then apply a soothing compound to a depth of 3 millimetres at minimum.

Wooden and metal floors

Wooden subfloors need to be of ‘flooring grade’ – while metal floors should be completely free from rust (where a metal floor has rust, this could visually damage the carpet). For both wooden and metal floors, checks must also be made to ensure that they are completely secure so that the new carpet will stay firmly in place.

How can we help?

Your professional Cherry Carpets estimator will advise on steps that may need to be taken when they visit your property. During this apportionment they will extensively inspect the site – leading to straightforward suggestions as to what may or may not be required.

Need advice on subfloor preparation? Let’s talk about it. The team at Cherry Carpets, Kent can cut through any confusion and help you understand the steps to take for flooring that lasts, beautifully, for as long as possible. Call us on 020 8249 9726 or email us via .