sheet flooring in new properties

[desrob]

i was asked to alter piping that was upstairs , so i had to get at the pipe work,and of course it was under that green sheeting that slots in together,and it was nailed not screwed down, well my question is how the hell do you lift it without it breaking and basically making a complete mess of it

 

[GQuigley67]

do u mean chipboard flooring ?

 

[desrob]

do u mean chipboard flooring ?

i think so mate.it is made of scrap wood mashed and compressed together

 

[dontknowitall]

More helpful post this time (I hope!)

I first look for the joists (finding nails/screws).

If I can't find these easily or cannot rip up more of the carpet without creating major hassle, I drill a hole large enough for my mirror or hand with mobile phone. Then take photo or use torch and mirror to get my bearings.

Then cut along joist down 22mm and next joist down 22mm. Then saw between joists and remove the panel.

Replacing is quite easy as it rests on the joists and screws into place.

I agree, I hate these types of floor!

Edit:
I used to use a circular saw but now use a Bosch 180 PMF which doesn't create half the dust.

 

[GQuigley67]

I have a couple of rads to move with chipboard flooring, I've just asked for the joiner to help me, and then will watch and learn lol

 

[desrob]

some parts i can't get a circular saw too and i defo can't get a saw in,the nails could not be in a worst place,overall it is a nightmare ,the partition wall sita on a joist and the sheets go through at 90 degrees ,it's going to be messy.

 

[GQuigley67]

could be worth getting a joiner desrob

 

[desrob]

I have a couple of rads to move with chipboard flooring, I've just asked for the joiner to help me, and then will watch and learn lol

you'll lets me know mate for next time.

 

[dontknowitall]

Have a look at this - been a saviour for me as it cuts right up to the skirting boards!

Bosch PMF 180 E Multifunctional Allrounder: Cuts, Saws, Sands: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

[desrob]

how deep can it cut mate

 

[Puddle]

If they are nailed down,kiss good bye to the ones or sections you have to lift,price for new,if you are lucky to get up ,a bonus but do not hold your breath,they are not expensive and it also allows you to cut away from the pipework and as said get a look under to see what is what

imho

 

[dontknowitall]

how deep can it cut mate

Not sure but around 50mm.

I bought mine with a spare wood cutting blade as if you hit a nail it can blunt quickly. Has a metal cutting blade and various sandpaper sheets (whatever they're for - shaving?)

 

[desrob]

If they are nailed down,kiss good bye to the ones or sections you have to lift,price for new,if you are lucky to get up ,a bonus but do not hold your breath,they are not expensive and it also allows you to cut away from the pipework and as said get a look under to see what is what

imho

i can understand why joiners use them,but there not, plumber,electrician etc friendly

 

[GQuigley67]

maybe to generate more work for themselves ? so they can get the jobs of repairing floors lol

 

[desrob]

maybe to generate more work for themselves ? so they can get the jobs of repairing floors lol

what can we do as plumbers to generate work,honestly, for our selves, like your suggestion regarding joiners,or is that another thread.

 

[AWheating]

just be careful that its not a recently built property with glued down flooring on chamber josts, if so dont cut on joist but along side and refix with battons.

 

[REDSAW]

its anoying but i find it easy myself. just how you go about things.
the flooring is 18mm water resistant chipboard and you will not be able to detatch the tongues from the grooves in one piece.
the best way is to cut a circular saw set at 18mm depth, cut the area then wrench it up. this way you wont be chopping cables or nicking pipes.
for the hard to cut areas, use a 12mm flat bit and 'chain drill' a line then rip up.
when replacing you will need some 'scooby doo's' for supporting the new boards or you may wish to remove the existing back to the tongues on top of the joists, personally i dont bother.
then mix up some filler up and fill in all the gaps you created and jobs a good-un.
alternatively, cut some 5'' holes and feed in plastic pipes.