I've got a problem with some rotted subflooring around a register vent in my crawlspace, probably due to moisture from the vent sweating over time. The insulation is hanging down, showing a lot of metal, which might have added to the moisture issue. The rot extends about 2.5 feet from the vent and mostly affects one bay of the floor. I really want to avoid tearing up the older wood floor above if possible. I'm considering chipping out the rotted section from below and patching it up. I found a video that shows how to do this, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this kind of repair and if there's anything I should keep in mind before diving in. Thanks!
2 Answers
You may be able to patch it up from underneath, but honestly, it sounds like a real hassle. If it were me, I'd just go for it and pull up the floor. It seems drastic, but it might be easier than you think, and you can put it back together without too much trouble.
That does look like a significant amount of rot for just vent moisture. I’d be cautious. Sometimes water can travel and pool under the flooring in unexpected places – even up to 8 feet away. If you want to do it right, removing the floor above might be the best bet, along with fixing the ductwork.