I had a water pipe burst a few months ago, and although I acted quickly to remove the wet fiberglass insulation and try to dry everything out, I've noticed a slight raise in a section of the floor later on. I'm considering getting a water damage inspector, but I'm struggling to find someone who doesn't just offer free estimates and upsell services. What I really need is someone who can tell me if the subfloor needs replacing without any obligations to do further work.
I also want to tackle some structural issues with my porch and a sill plate, so I plan to call a structural engineer for that. My question is, will the engineer be able to determine if the water-damaged subfloor needs to be replaced? If not, who would be the right person to get a neutral opinion from?
2 Answers
You can start by checking the subfloor yourself. If it feels spongy when you step on it, that's a red flag, and it probably needs replacement. Also, if the edges are peeling or warping, you should consider replacing it. I recommend taking some pictures of both the subfloor and any structural issues so you can get better advice. But if you need a definite answer, asking the structural engineer about the floor when they come out might be a good call!
Honestly, a structural engineer isn’t really necessary just to check for wood rot. You can give the spot a poke with a screwdriver to see if it’s soft. If you’re unsure about the signs of damage, try getting a general contractor or a water damage specialist who doesn't push for repairs to take a look. They might provide the no-pressure advice you need!
Good idea! I think I might just check it out myself before I bring someone in.