I need to level a bathroom floor and am curious if I can use the self leveler followed by metal lath, thinset then tile. The back of the self leveler stated not recommended for OSB, however that is my sub floor and if I use a cement board on top, it would raise the floor too high in relation to the hallway.
2007-11-12 14:52:30 · 4 answers · asked by SPR 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Thanks for the advice. Ed...are are you saying to put the backer board on top of the OSB? If so, is the existing OSB under the tub fine as is, as long as there is a good caulk seal between tub and all tile (wall/floor)?
2007-11-12 15:57:42 · update #1
do not put on osb or you will have a rotted floor in no time use the concrete board then a transition from bath to hallway it is done often. i am a pro, trust me!!! NOT ON OSB!! yes it is ok to leave it under the tub, be certain to caulk it thoroughly.
2007-11-12 15:01:11 · answer #1 · answered by Edward E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the problem is warped OSB (a fairly common problem), you just might be able to pull it back down to the floor joists with some new screws. I'd try that first.
If the screws just sink right thru the OSB (happens with water damaged boards), then I would seriously suggest that you replace the main section (the central part you walk on). It wouldnt take long to do, and you can replace it with plywood, then go over it all with the cement board. You wouldnt even need to pull any of the fixtures, just cut the central most portion of the floor out.
The biggest problem for tile floors, is flexing...it causes the tile, or the mortar to crack. If that OSB has rotted enough to let a screw just pull right thru it... I wouldnt leave there...it's a problem waiting to happen, hehehe.
If the problem is a warped floor joist...that should be fixed before the new floor is put in.
Now, if after getting the new floor and tile in place, you find that there is too much gap between the hall and the bath... you can use a transition piece... or even 'ramp' the hall up to the level of the bathroom, with a thinset mortar... this technique is handy for homes that have a wheelchair in use.
Have Fun
2007-11-12 17:21:52 · answer #2 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not put down 1/4" Hardi board then the self leveler on top of that. Putting the tile on top of a mortar bed will be even thicker than regular 1/2" cement board.
2007-11-12 15:01:39 · answer #3 · answered by mike b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to Ed, put down 1/4 hardibacker, apply with thinset, either screw down or use roofing nails. If the floor is still unlevel, you can self level over the hardibacker, just make sure you use a latex primer.
2007-11-12 15:03:33 · answer #4 · answered by njy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋