Hello to all,

I have purchased a 1973 mobile home in Myrtle Beach SC. The home inspector said it passed the 'jump test.' (is this mumbo-jumbo?) There may be no problems now, but I would like to put laminate down and wonder if I should replace PB with plywood, or put floating floor over it. As I understand it PB is damaged from the top down by leaks mostly...ground does have a condensation barrier underneath. Also, does anyone know if this old of a home would have a sub-floor AND underlayment, or just one.
Thanks so much for any input. This si a major investment and don't want to regret it later..
Terry

The older mobile homes that I've worked on have just the one particle subfloor. I'm not sure of the thickness off hand, but I'm pretty sure it's 1"-1 1/2". You should be able to pull a floor vent and check it out. Actually it's a fact that the older mobiles are built more stout than the newer models.

Not sure on your post if your talking about installing actual Laminate flooring, or referring to Engineered Hardwood. Laminate or floated Engineered is acceptable to install over particle board, ( within tolerances). Engineered , glued or nailed, is not recommended over particle,( although I have done it ). Sounds like you question the stability of the subfloor. You may just consider sheeting over the top with 1/2" cdx plywood. It can only help with the overall feel anyway, and avoid potential problems. Plywood over particle, I would glue and screw.

Thanks Howard,

I guess I am talking about the kind of laminate that 'snaps' together...no glue, nails, etc. I have used this type before. Also, if I did install cdx over pb wouldn't there still be the danger of pb getting wet? Then wouldn' t be added trouble because of this or am I mistaken? Can moisture from the ground (condensation ) be a problem?
thanks for all you r help, floor...this kind of investment gives me heebie-jeebies...a lot of $$$. Then agtain ,I get nervous buying a cheeseburger!

Terry

Well geez, leave the cheese off the burger

There's nothing wrong with adding underlayment over your subfloor to stiffin it up, if you feel that's necessary. Keep in mind, most manuf. require the substrate to be flat within 3/16" in 10'. So if any of the existing water damage has swelled areas in the pb, you will want to sand that flat first.

You shouldnt have to worry about moisture from underneath as long as the crawl space has adequate cross ventilation, no leaks, etc. I would consider laying out 6 mil plastic in the crawl space, if it's not there already.

A cheeseburger with out the cheese...? Oh, the paradox...

thanks for the great advice. I didn't even know you could sand pb level...learned something new.
I feel sure the pb is in great shape. feels plenty stoutm but it wouldn't hurt to add cdx...just the ol' pocketbook I suppose.

Thanks for any and all the input.

If the pb feels solid no reason to waste your time or money sheeting it out. Just make sure it's flat, and float your Laminate .