1

I am looking into inexpensive options to level OSB for installing luxury vinyl planks.

I read an article that talks about using roofing shingles to level out subfloors before installing hardwood.

I am wondering if this could work for leveling the OSB under the carpeting I ripped up in a mobile home.

I looked into self levelling compounds, but I could only find one that works on OSB and it's expensive for the amount of leveling that it's possibly going to need.

If shingles could work, would they have to be screwed down as they could shift under floating vinyl planks? Does anyone have any experience with this method? What pros or cons could there be for using roof shingles?

ADDITIONAL INFO:

There is no moisture problem. I would say the problem areas are unlevel due to installation.

Adding pics.tilt1 tilt2First two pics are a section 4 feet by 4 inches Looks like the board was put there to fill a gap for reasons unknown. It's not level and it's tilted toward the wall. mwall1 Marriage wall gap that runs through one half the trailer. it's about 2 inches deep. mwall4The marriage wall in the other half. It's wavy and uneven. Don't know what to do about that either. I fear it may affect the LVP over time. kitchThis section runs about 4" x 4". Thanks!

Improve this question
2
  • 1
    In what way is the OSB unlevel (slanted, bowed, stepped, lumpy?) be aware that self-leveling compount flows like water to level itself (when applied, then it sets) so if your foundations are on a lean it will slosh to one side of the room. (this could be common in mobile homes)
    – Jasen
    Apr 19, 2021 at 4:32
  • At the suggestion of Freeman, I'm copying this comment to the question. ....... To the OP, OH GEEZE, you have an issue there. WOW. I think the only way LVT would work would be for you to putdown an additional sub-floor (like 1/2 particle board), leveled with the shingles/shims underneath as you originally asked about. That would be a HUGE, time consuming job. Even that's a sketchy solution. I'd give up on the idea of LVT and go with a much harder flooring product. Use a combination of shims and leveling compound, and make the best of it.There are products that are much stiffer than LVT.
    – George Anderson
    Apr 21, 2021 at 14:23

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

I think it would totally impossible to get good results using that method. LVT is pretty flexible. I've remodeled a rental house and personally (not a contractor) installed LVT. It turned out pretty good, but I did need a leveling compound for part of the floor. Our church also replaced a bunch of carpet in the hallways with LVT and the installer missed a bit of debris here and there and even tiny bits telegraph thru and you can see it.

The method you are asking about mentioned hardwoods which is a totally different ball game. With LVT, I'm sure you'd end up with a wavy, ugly mess on your hands using shingles.

Why is the OSB not "level"? Water damage? poor installation? You may not needs as much leveling compound as you think just to at least hit the worst parts. Hard to know without pics and more info.

Improve this answer
6
  • 2
    Addressing the reason for the not level subfloor seems to be as important as getting it level
    – FreeMan
    Apr 19, 2021 at 16:35
  • @FreeMan yep. agreed + I think I said that in the last paragraph of my answer.
    – George Anderson
    Apr 19, 2021 at 16:42
  • 1
    Yes you did. I was emphasizing that point. ;)
    – FreeMan
    Apr 19, 2021 at 16:47
  • 1
    You may want to put that comment on the question to ensure the OP gets notified about it. It's a very valid point, and now that she's given a check mark, she may not come back to look at updates.
    – FreeMan
    Apr 21, 2021 at 11:52
  • 1
    Since my question was specifically about using roofing shingles to level the subfloor I accepted George's answer. He has good points and I have decided not to use shingles. I am going to submit another question that addresses the subfloor issues.
    – Aimy
    Apr 21, 2021 at 14:29

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.