We cannot stress enough the importance of preparation of a sub-floor prior to new floor installation. The only time you don’t have to be as concerned with prepping sub floor prior to installation of new floors, is when roll carpet with padding is being installed.
Every other flooring, ie: wood, laminate, tile, VCT, floating or glue-down LVT, carpet tiles. So what is prepping sub floor mean? Prior to installation, sub floors must be moisture free; so moisutre test should be conducted with a moisture meter and if moisture levels are elevated, apply a mositure barrier product (Texrite Hydro-Rite 3.5 gallon).
Leveling is the next importand if not the most important pre installation necessity. Using a 8′ aluminum straight edge, running across the floor and marking areas where light shines through under straight edge as it is dragged along the entire floor.
With areas that have been marked as not meeting with straight edge, they should be filled with either (Texrite Patch 125-FS for areas ½” or less below grade) or if you have (Texrite Flowrite 250 FS for areas 1″ or less below grade). Any cracks in sub floor should be filled with either of the aforementioned leveling products. Yes, leveling sub floor and giving the attention required is time consuming, usually entailing a full day, plus curing time. But it will result in a properly installed floor that will give the final end user floors that will last a lifetime. Also, securing warranty requirements if a warranty claim is ever placed.
