bathroom floor nightmare

BasiltheBirman · 15 Jan 2017

hi, help needed please. My daughters bathroom has turned into a nightmare.
This job started out as a "simple" replace suite and re-tile job. I wont go into all the issues with those aspects here as they aren't wood work.
The floor: currently floorboards and today I found signs of woodworm. The boards and at least one joist are also partially v wet due to leaks. I now need to do a partial joist replacement and remove/replace boards.
I'm thinking I don't want to tickle this problem, just knock it on the head and have done. My idea is to remove boards, treat everything for woodworm, replace boards with T&G chipboard and do a partial joist replacement using fresh piece of joist and splice plates; all the walls and the floor will be finished with ceramic tiles.
Am I doing the right thing here;
I am just your bog-standard DIYer so would be grateful for thoughts and especially for help from professionals on my plans.

Jadele · 15 Jan 2017

Sounds right to me but make sure you kill that woodworm if its active. I would say don't DIY the woodworm bit

BasiltheBirman · 15 Jan 2017

thanks

foxhole · 15 Jan 2017

I would ensure you have live woodworm before the expense of removing something that may not be there.
Chipboard no good for tiling, use ply.

BasiltheBirman · 16 Jan 2017

Thanks, there are lots of the little cocoon cases though not yet seen a live grub.
was going to use this for the floor:
Caberfloor Chipboard Tongue and Grooved 4 Sides Moisture Resistant (P5)
from travis perkins, bumf says suitable for subsequent floor laying operations. do you still think should use ply instead?

BasiltheBirman · 16 Jan 2017

quick look at plys and choice is overwhelming.
advice on which ply and why greatly appreciated. I'm up against very tight deadline as this was an unexpected problem, I only have 1 1/2 days to sort the flooring before plumber and tiler come to do their stuff.
truthfully, starting to panic a bit now. please help. thanks

BasiltheBirman · 16 Jan 2017

woodworm: there are lots of dead adults still at the entrance to the holes and some dead adults on the floor; no signs of life though

Diver Fred · 16 Jan 2017

If you can see dead woodworm beetles then put the plumber and tiler off!

You now have time to sort out the woodwork problem. If you can see adults and 'Frass' (fine 'saw' dust) then the beetles are live and still in the timber. That needs to be treated immediately. It will also be worhwhile checking other timber in the house. If you are confindent it is only the one room affected then then you can treat i yourself. at least 2 generous applications to to every surface by brush or spray - but if you spray then don't forget you must use a suitable mask at the very least.
Decide on what timber needs to be replaced and what can stay - I guess you have lifted all the floor boards by now. Are any internal walls supported by the floor? If they are then I'd suggest you are moving beyond your abilities and the amount of work If you have to cut any joists away then now is the time to do it. Is the room on the ground floor or above? If it's above the ground floor then don't forget the ceilings are most likely attached to the joists.

The decision is yours...

TheVictorian · 16 Jan 2017

As above, if you can see evidence of adults and sawdust then they are either still there or recent enough that you need it checking and treating by a professional.

Is the house cold? It's pretty unusual in a modern warm house to get an infestation.

BasiltheBirman · 16 Jan 2017

hi thanks a lot for your replies, you have basically confirmed what I was thinking.
have now removed some of the boards and honestly don't know how no-one has gone through the floor. There is literally nothing left of some boards other than an outer skin of wood filled with dust. So far i've found 3 joists needing partial replacement and defo the whole floor, there are worm holes on almost every board.
ref your advice wgt52, This is now way beyond my abilities, now need to deliver the bad news to my daughter. No idea re structural walls etc-, bathroom upstairs and not going to fiddle with things. we now need the pros.
thanks to all for help and advice. will update later when this disaster is under control.

chappers · 16 Jan 2017

Don't worry about not being to help due to your abilities I'm sure you can still help in other ways.
Spend your time looking for your cheque book.

BasiltheBirman · 16 Jan 2017

Ha ha

. I laugh while I cry.
one of the worst things about all this is that my daughter wanted to surprise her husband with a new bathroom (he's working away till the end of the month). He's definately in for a surprise

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

bathroom floor nightmare

Similar threads