Walked into a new build in Phoenix and the subfloor had puddles

I was checking out a job site in north Phoenix last Tuesday. Builder had the AC off for three days in July. The OSB subfloor was literally spongy in some spots. I took a moisture meter and got readings over 20 percent. Told the GC I wouldn't lay anything until it dried out and got tested again. He tried to push me to start anyway. Have any of you walked off a job over wet subfloor?

3 comments

3 Comments

finleym377d ago

Read an article from the Journal of Light Construction where they tested OSB at 18% moisture and it swelled 12% after laying tile. You're smart to hold the line on that job. Builder's insurance won't care about his schedule when the floor fails in six months.

ray6137d ago

Jumped on that JLC article myself when it came out - crazy numbers, right? That 12% swell is basically a death sentence for any floor, but especially tile where the grout can't flex even a little. The builder's push back makes me wonder if he's got subs lined up back to back and can't afford a delay, or if he's just one of those guys who thinks everything is fine until it's not. You dodged a bullet standing your ground - in Phoenix heat especially, that moisture isn't going anywhere fast without AC running 24/7. Sticky situation for sure, but cheaper than ripping it all out in six months (like the article said).

the_olivia7d ago

Stood my ground on a wet slab in Mesa last spring and the homeowner tried to guilt me about their kid's birthday party. Told them I'd rather be the jerk with a delayed party than the guy explaining why their new kitchen floor was buckling before the cake was even cut. Managed to get the AC cranking for a week and it still took two more days of testing before I felt good about it. Sometimes being the bearer of bad news is just cheaper than being the one with the warranty claim.