Restumping in Sale & Wellington Shire
Subfloor & Bearer Repairs
in Sale
Bouncy, sagging or soft floors are often caused by the timbers above the stumps. Get the bearers and joists checked and repaired by a registered local builder.
It's Not Always the Stumps
Stumps hold up the bearers. Bearers hold up the joists. Joists hold up your floorboards. A problem at any level shows up as a floor that doesn't feel right.
Bearers are the large timber beams that sit on top of the stumps. Joists run across the bearers and carry the floorboards. In older homes, these timbers can rot where water has got in, sag where stumps have been missing for years, or be damaged by termites or borer. You might notice a springy patch, a dip between two points, or a floor that creaks and moves more than it used to.
Subfloor repairs replace or strengthen the damaged timbers, usually with treated pine or hardwood, and are often done at the same time as restumping so everything under the house is sorted in one go. Call 0483 929 969 to get it checked.
If termites are involved, the builder will usually recommend having a licensed pest inspector deal with the termites first, so the new timber isn't attacked as well.
Request a Free Quote
Tell us a little about your house. A registered local builder will call you to arrange a time.
Subfloor Repairs Across central Gippsland
We take enquiries from the older streets around Sale and Wurruk to Maffra, Stratford, Heyfield and out to the Ninety Mile Beach.
Common Subfloor Repairs
Bearer Replacement
Replacing rotten or split bearers, often in wet areas such as under bathrooms and laundries.
Joist Repairs
Replacing or doubling up sagging or damaged joists to firm up a bouncy floor.
Termite and Borer Damage
Repairing timbers damaged by white ants or borer once the pests have been treated.
Subfloor Ventilation
Improving airflow under the house so timbers stay dry. Poor ventilation is a common cause of rot.
What Do Subfloor Repairs Cost?
Small repairs, such as replacing a few joists or one length of bearer, are often a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. Replacing bearers through a whole wet area or section of the house costs more, and is often priced together with restumping. The builder will give you a written quote after the inspection.
For a rough idea of the bigger picture, try the cost estimator and tick "bearers or joists look damaged", or call 0483 929 969.
Why Get It Looked At
Safety
A badly rotten bearer or joist can eventually give way. Soft spots in the floor are worth checking.
Stops the Spread
Rot and termites spread. Fixing the cause and the damaged timber early limits the damage.
One Job, Done Right
If you're restumping anyway, fixing the bearers at the same time saves lifting the house twice.
Clear Answers
The builder will show you what they found, ideally with photos, so you understand what you are paying for.
Floor Feeling Soft or Bouncy?
Get the subfloor checked by a registered local builder. The quote is free.
Subfloor Questions
What is the difference between a bearer and a joist?
Bearers are the large beams that sit directly on the stumps. Joists are the smaller timbers that run across the bearers and carry the floorboards.
Can subfloor repairs be done without restumping?
Yes, if the stumps are in good condition. Often, though, both are done together because the same moisture problems affect both.
Do you deal with termites?
Termite treatment is done by licensed pest controllers. The builder repairs the damaged timber once the termites have been dealt with.