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sharonleeo

Pre fab home flooring issues

5 years ago

Our home was “Built”in 1978. It was a pre fab home placed on a cinder block basement foundation. Many updates have been made to the home but now after this many years, the inexpensive particle board flooring is failing.


We had a flooring installation company out who suggested we look for a contractor to tackle the issue. Honestly, do not know where to start. And quite frankly, find this embarrassing to deal with.


The location of our home and size of our property is the only thing that keeps us in our home, and realizing our home would not pass inspection if we were to try to sell it.


Quite a conundrum we are finding ourselves in.


Appreciate any valuable input regarding feasibility of replacing floors and maintaining this poor quality home with regard to its basic structure.



Comments (3)

  • 5 years ago

    Assuming your home is a Manufactured home (HUD code), your floor is most likely made from D-2 particleboard. The problem with this decking is, it was made using urea formaldehyde adhesive; which is not water resistive. (APA rated decking, such as plywood or OSB, is made with phenol formaldehyde adhesive, whis is, water resistant).


    Unfortunately there's no way to treat the deck when it starts to go bad. Once water gets into the deck, the adhesive begins to dissolve.


    There are two ways to proceed, one is to hire a contractor to cut out the failed flooring and replace it new decking. The other way, if you have access to the under floor area, is to reinforce those defective areas from underneath.


    Unfortunately this type of decking was (and still is) permitted by the Construction and Safety Standards.

    While allowed, it is required that the surface of the decking be protected by a water resistant barrier. Most manufacture's used a vinyl floor surface and glued the vinyl down at the edges and around penetrations. Other manufacturers protected the entire surface with a water-resistant sealer. The reason it was used is cost. Theres a several hundred dollar difference between the two types of decking.


    Although I don't know a single manufacturer who still uses the product. (It was very common in 1978 however). It has never been permitted in site-built or modular homes.

  • 5 years ago

    Sorry if I am misinformed about my home and caused confusion when stating the question. I do appreciate the feedback and am waiting for a contractor to get back to me.

    I didn’t think you had to be a professional to ask a question. I’m just at a loss about what my options may be and want to live in a safe home.

  • 5 years ago

    No, you're good; no apology necessary. I was just frustrated after following links in this forum.

    I didn't mean to sound harsh, sorry.

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