ABSOLUTE MUST!!!

If you don't use a vapor barrier this is what happens!!

I was told I didn't need a vapor barrier for the type of sub-floor that came with the cabin. It is the Advantech, which is top-of-the-line OSB (Oriented Strand Board). It has been subjected to five years under water (I was told) without daage.

Well, for some reason, my beautiful hickory hardwood floor buckled.

Last night it sounded like a cannon going off inside the house as it raised up more than 4 inches from the sub-floor.

I pulled one of the wall boards away to make sure there was still adequate spacing and there was--at least 3/4inch between the edge of the floor and the wall. So, I repalced the wall board and began the laborious process of removing the tongue-and-groove pieces from the middle.

Have you ever tried to replace the brakes on your car without first removing the tire? I think that would be easier than what I experienced today.

I eventually got it done, and am now ready to begin the re-install next week. It is a nice, clean open space to begin with, but the final row will prove to be more challenging than the removal.

I had installed the boards with a floor nailer bought at Menard's and I believe is their brand--MasterForce. The first machine I bought wouldn't sink the nails. Instead, it shot them back up through the finished board.

Turns out that the boards were not being nailed with the new machine either. Almost every nail was curled up under the board. So, that could also be a reason the boards buckled. There was nothing holding them down in this heat and humidity.

The heat and humidity is a factor, because we do not have air conditioning here. 

I will do the re-install with glue instead of nails. I will most likely have to use nails in some places, but I will try to keep that to a minimum.

INTERESTING SIDENOTE: When the buckling first began to appear a couple of weeks ago, I was heart-broken, disappointed to say the least. I had installed what I thought was a quality floor. It was a beautiful hardwood, and much nicer than what we had originally settled on. To have it buckle was a crushing blow.

After I got it cleaned up today, though, my spirits lifted. I can see light at the end of the tunnel, I guess. I am not nearly as "down" as I was when I got up this morning.

LESSON: When you can do something about a problem facing you DO IT. Just spending time looking at the problem will bring you down quite quickly.

ABOUT THE BLOG: I have not been as diligent as I had hoped in sharing my progress. My desire is to change that. My intention is to try to write something every Saturday afternoon.

This is the first in that direction.

I still need to go back and pick up where I left off, because we have accomplished quite a bit since I last wrote.

I will try to back up with the next posting.

However, the way life seems to take over and mess with my plans...

Until next time,

Be happy; play hard; do your work; and give your love-partner a squeeze.