I'm working on a pier and beam home where I've replaced the decking with new lumber and plywood. Unfortunately, I can't find tongue and groove plywood locally unless I pay a hefty fee for shipping. So I'm using regular plywood sheets instead. My main concern is preventing cold air from creeping in from the crawlspace during the winter. Would insulating it be enough, or do I need to take it a step further and foam seal the edges? Also, is there anything specific I should do to make my plywood flooring as sturdy as tongue and groove?
2 Answers
If you're concerned about cold air, definitely think about adding foam sealant around the edges to block any gaps. Insulation helps, but sealing up those little openings will go a long way in keeping the drafts out. Since you're using regular plywood, you might want to make sure the boards fit snugly next to each other and consider adding a vapor barrier if you're not already planning to. It’ll make a difference in the long run!
If you're laying linoleum or LVP over the plywood, make sure the surface is as flat as possible. You could also look into using underlayments that provide some cushioning and insulation benefits. It's key for a solid and warm feel underfoot!
Great tip! I was thinking of using LVP everywhere, so I’ll definitely keep that in mind.
Yeah, taking those extra steps now will save you a lot of headaches later. Just make sure to follow up with whatever flooring you choose.