How Do I know If I Should Replace Floor?

[GM77AZAir]

Just started remodel on our 77' Trade Wind and ripped up all the carpet to find the floor seems like its in good condition. There is a water ring under 1 window and in the corner by the door. Would it be terrible to just lay new flooring over? We first intend to fix window seals to prevent any leaking. It was covered for most of its life, but I think this water damage is recent (within last 6months of not being covered). It looks like ripping the sub floor up/cleaning out old insulation/repairing metal frame etc. is a massive job. Any advice on if its necessary to rip up all sub floor would be so appreciated!

[TheGreatleys]

It is a massive job. Water rings are not a problem, just find and fix the leak. Throughly inspect the subfloor, especially around the edges, and especially in the rear. If it's solid, then don't bother trying to replace it. No point.

You can inspect the frame from below by dropping the belly pan. Much easier to reattach than the subfloor. But if the subfloor is good, there is a good chance the frame is in pretty decent shape too. Unless I had reason to believe otherwise, I wouldn't bother messing with it.

[TG Twinkie]

I agree.

[GM77AZAir]

Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it. I may post a few pics of the water spots and see what your thoughts are... That is a great tip on removing the belly pan instead, I hope we don't even need to do that. It seems to be in pretty good shape. I will post pics today! Thank you again!

[kdickinson]

The test I have been told is two-fold:

1. Jump up and down on the floor up and down the center of the trailer and at the entry door and if it sags or gives then it is likely rotted and

2. using a punch tool gently push it into the sub-floor (assuming you have a soft floor covering) and if it is not solid underneath then check it further

Otherwise think the same way you would the subfloor in your house - if it's soft and rotted then it needs to be replaced

[GM77AZAir]

Here are some pictures of the two areas, by the door and under 1 window. The bathroom and the rest seem solid.... is this ok to leave and put flooring over?

[TG Twinkie]

Looks like it is just water stained. If it is not soft and punky it should be OK. Even if soft a small patch would remedy the situation.

[GM77AZAir]

That is great news, and exactly what we were hoping the case would be!

[TheGreatleys]

What happens when you try to push the screwdriver through the floor at the worst part of the stained spot? As long as you're not able to stab into the wood, you're good. If it's soft or if you can push the screwdriver through, consider a small patch.

[mimiandrews]

You might consider using a penetrating epoxy. I did that on a few spots on my subfloor in the rear compartment. Works like a charm to bring slightly soft wood back to strength. GitRot is the brand I used. It does not have the dire warnings about fumes and protecting yourself that I'd seen in the literature for other brands.

[GM77AZAir]

The screwdriver only went into a small patch by the door, the rest is solid. Will definitely do a patch there, thank you for your input TheGreatleys! mimiandrews, thank you for that tip, that sounds amazing. We will definitely be doing that-anything to help keep it strong!