uneven,squeaky floors

[Linda]

We are ready to install new flooring but want to fix problem of uneven,squeaky
floors first. What kind of contractor do you call for this type of repair. Our home is
on cement block foundation/home is about 7 years old.

[Roy Bonney]

The first thing you want to learn, is why the floors are in the uneven and squeaky condition, and correct that prior to installing new flooring. Often this condition is created by excessive moisture build up beneath the home. Is your skirting properly ventilated? Is there a ground vapor barrier in place? Is the grade such that water is allowed to stand beneath the home? Is the bottom board beneath the home complete and free from tears or voids? Check these items before attempting floor work.

[Kevin C]

Roy, could you explain to an uninitiated person what a "ground vapor barrier" is? Is it something that is placed on or in the ground, or on the bottom of the MH? Thanks in advance. Kevin

[Bill Fry]

Its a layer of plastic laid on the ground under the home to stop water vapor from coming up and causing potiental problems(mold,wood rot,etc).My personal opnion is that if the crawlspace is ventilated properly you won't have any problems by not using it.Elevated stick builts don't use a vapor barrier nor do they use the bottom canvas barrier that MH's do.However standing water under any home is always going to cause problems down the road.If your floors sqeak it is usually due to two things,24 inch center floor joists or loose lag bolts on the connection between the two halves.The latter can be inspected by a MH repair man but wide floor joists are just a cost cutting downgrade many MH builders use in construction. Less floor support means more bounce and creak .

[Roy Bonney]

The ground vapor barrier, a six mil black plastic barrier, laid on the ground to prevent moisture infiltration from the ground from infiltrating the crawl space. When moisture infiltrates the flooring system, it may bow the flooring material. When the happens, the flooring expands and pressure creates a lifting of the floor at the joists. When the flooring dries, the lifted staple remains in the "up" position. The floor then rides up and down when you walk on it and creates the squeak. The friction between the wood and the staple. In order to have a squeak, you have to have a gap, that allows movement.

[Linda]

We have this problem as well, and are looking into getting it fixed. A portion of our land is in a flood zone, and I know that a previous flooding of the crawl space is most likely the culprit for our warped floors.

Is there any way you could give me a rough idea how much fixing about 800 sq feet of flooring might cost? Even a ballpark figure would be helpful.

Also, should we worry about the floor eventually caving in?

Thanks

Linda