Yes, removing different types of flooring systems can damage the timber subfloor underneath if you’re not careful. There is a large range of factors that may result in damage, such as:

Rushing: Rushing the removal process can damage the timber subfloor.

Using Improper Tools: Using the wrong tools, such as using a tile chisel instead of a scraping chisel.

Uneven Subfloor: If the subfloor is uneven, it may be harder to remove the flooring system without accidental damage to the timber subfloor underneath.

Installation Method: Different installation methods may make it a lot harder to avoid damaging the timber subfloor. Timber subfloors can also be damaged and marked by the removal of nails and glue. Holes will need to be filled with a wood filler, while Glue will be removed with a floor sander.

Water damage: If water gets under your flooring system, it can get trapped and it can cause your timber subfloor to swell, warp, or buckle. Moisture can build up and lead to mould and mildew growth, which weakens the timber subfloor and makes it far easier to accidentally damage.

Using Fans or Dehumidifiers: Drying out the subfloor before removing the flooring system on top can make a huge difference if you have had water damage.

Pre-Damaged Floorboards: Very rarely, but sometimes replacement of timber planks to your subfloor may be required no matter what and cannot be avoided. If they are already damaged before we remove the flooring system on top, we won’t be able to tell until your flooring system has been removed, which would result in unavoidable damage.

The reality is though, minor damage may occur and not every job can be flawless with thousands of jobs being completed every year, accidents happen. But we always strive to leave your timber subfloor in the best possible condition that we can, any damage can often be fixed with a Floor Sander or Wood Filler.

If I Remove My Carpet Will It Damage The Floor Underneath?

CARPET: 
– Carpet that has been nailed to the timber subfloor will leave tiny holes when we remove the nails.
– Carpet that has been staple gunned to the timber subfloor, will leave tiny holes after we remove the staples.
– Carpet that has been installed with Smoothedge will leave tiny holes when we remove the Smoothedge as they are nailed into the timber subfloor.
– These issues can ALL be fixed by using a “Wood Filler”

If I Remove My Tiles Will It Damage The Floor Underneath?

TILES:
Sometimes, there are over 50+ different installation methods when it comes to Tiles. Certain installation methods will result in damage to the timber subfloor, while others won’t.

Tiles that are installed with glue, screed, cement or sand and cement can often be removed without damage to the timber subfloor, although Floor Sanding will be required after to remove any residue and to clean up the timber subfloor.

Other installation methods, such as tiles glued to Plywood, MDF, Chipboard, Cork or Masonite will often be nailed down to the timber subfloor, which will result in small holes on the timber subfloor, these can be fixed using a wood filler.

Sometimes unfortunately though, damage may occur and it may be unavoidable, depending on the installation method of the tiles and the condition of your timber subfloor.

If I Remove My Floorboards Will It Damage The Floor Underneath?

FLOORBOARDS:
Floating floorboards are easily removed without damage to the timber subfloor. While glued-down or nailed-down floorboards can be difficult to remove without damaging the timber subfloor.

Floorboards that have been nailed down will leave small holes after being removed, these holes will need to be filled with a Wood Filler. Floorboards that have been glued down, will require a Floor Sander to remove any glue residue left on the timber subfloor.

If I Remove My Vinyl Flooring Will It Damage The Floor Underneath?

VINYL:
Loose-laid Vinyl Flooring is easily removed without damage to the timber subfloor underneath. While Vinyl Flooring that has underlay that is glued down or nailed down to the timber subfloor can be difficult to remove without damaging the timber subfloor.

Vinyl Flooring with Underlay that has been nailed down will leave small holes after being removed, these holes will need to be filled with a Wood Filler. Vinyl Flooring with Underlay that has been glued down, will require a Floor Sander to remove any glue residue left on the timber subfloor.

If I Remove My Underlay Will It Damage The Floor Underneath?

UNDERLAY:
There is a large range of different types of underlays for different Flooring Systems. Some are nailed down, some are glued down, some are stapled down and others are loose-laid.

Loose-laid Underlay is easily removed without damage to the timber subfloor underneath. While Underlay that is glued down, nailed down or stapled down to the timber subfloor can be difficult to remove without damaging the timber subfloor.

Underlay that has been nailed down or stapled down will leave small holes after being removed, these holes will need to be filled with a Wood Filler. Underlay that has been glued down, will require a Floor Sander to remove any glue residue left on the timber subfloor.

If I Remove My Flooring Will It Damage The Skirting Boards?

SKIRTING BOARDS:
Sometimes, damage may occur, it’s always possible when removing flooring systems that are underneath skirting boards. But we complete thousands of jobs per year, without damage to skirting boards, so it’s often not a concern to our customers. (But it should be noted that it is always a possibility), and we recommend re-painting or replacing of skirting boards AFTER your flooring system has been removed