Subfloor or Something Else?
Louisiana's unique climate creates specific challenges for home subflooring that many local homeowners face!
Reasons Louisiana Residents Face Subfloor Issues:
Humidity
High humidity levels (averaging 70-75% year-round) can cause plywood and OSB subflooring to absorb moisture, leading to swelling, warping, and eventual deterioration. Louisiana's warm, humid environment creates ideal conditions for mold, mildew, and wood-destroying fungi that can compromise subfloor integrity.
Weather
Frequent heavy rainfall (Louisiana receives 50-65 inches annually) increases the risk of water intrusion beneath flooring, especially in homes with poor drainage. Seasonal weather fluctuations cause expansion and contraction cycles that stress subflooring connections, leading to squeaking floors and uneven surfaces.
Location
The state's position near the Gulf means tropical storms and hurricanes can cause flooding that devastates subflooring, often requiring complete replacement. Many older Louisiana homes (especially those built before modern moisture barriers became standard) have subflooring issues that worsen over time without proper intervention.
Pest
Termites, particularly Formosan termites prevalent in Louisiana, cause an estimated $500 million in damage annually across the state, with subflooring being particularly vulnerable.
Signs Louisiana homeowners should watch for include:
- Spongy or Soft Spots Underfoot
If the floor feels bouncy, soft, or gives way slightly when you walk on it, the subfloor may be rotting or water-damaged.
- Uneven or Sloping Floors
A sagging or slanted floor can mean the subfloor is deteriorating or structurally compromised.
- Persistent Squeaking or Creaking Sounds
Consistent creaking in one area can point to loose or separating subfloor panels.
- Visible Mold or Mildew Smell
Musty odors or mold around baseboards or flooring edges can indicate hidden moisture and subfloor decay.
- Water Damage or Past Leaks
Leaky appliances, plumbing issues, or flooding may cause swollen, warped, or rotted subflooring.
- Cracked or Warped Flooring
Flooring that is cracking, lifting, or pulling away may be reacting to issues with the subfloor.
- Movement Around Toilets or Tubs
Wobbling or shifting under bathroom fixtures often means soft or damaged subflooring.
- Insect Damage
Moist subfloors attract termites and carpenter ants, which can weaken the structure over time.
Are you showing signs of subfloor issues in your home? Give Readnour's Backcountry Rustic a call today! Our professionals will come out, evaluate your flooring, and let you know if you in fact have a subfloor issue or if it is something else causing your issues. All estimates are free and if it is something that is a simple fix we can possibly even get you taken care of that day.
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