How to protect red tongue sub flooring during build?

[Robyn4]

Hi there we are looking at using red tongue flooring for a subfloor, just wondering if there is a sealant we can paint on it to water proof it, we are worried about it getting wet while we are getting the roof on ect. We are building a kit home but we don’t life on site, thanks 

[EricL]

Hello @Robyn4 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your flooring.

Structaflooring has a wax coating on it, protecting it from the elements for up to five months. Any longer than that, and the property should be tarped to prevent further exposure.

I also recommend installing Ametalin 500mm x 60m SilverFloor Underfloor Insulation under your flooring. It's a heavy-duty vapour permeable floor insulation, designed for use under floors with a sealed air space between flooring and enclosed sub-floor space. The double-sided reflective surfaces provide increased R-value to your floor system. 5 mm weep holes at 400mm intervals in the membrane structure allow water and water vapour to permeate through, preventing moisture build-up under flooring.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Edit:

[Nailbag]

Hi @Robyn4 

According ton the product website (STRUCTAflor) both red and yellow tongue floorboards can typically be left exposed to the weather for up to five months. However, it's always best to enclose the building as soon as possible after laying the floor.

If you believe your project will take longer to get to weatherproof stages then follow @EricL recommendations.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Robyn4 

I know that the boards can be left uncoverered for a period of time, that said I would go @EricL's route of suggestion as we all know projects never finish shorter then the time we estimate  

Dave

[Robyn4]

Hi Eric sorry for the late reply so if i paint it i have to then put down the silver sheeting to help with the moisture build up? How do you lay the underfloor insulation with steel battens ect?

[Robyn4]

Also i am confused does the lining go under the red tougue flooring? thanks Robyn 

[EricL]

Hello @Robyn4 

My apologies for the miscommunication. After having a second look at your question, I think you were referring to having the surface of the red tounge covered and not the bottom section of the floor. My advice was referring to sealing the bottom section of the red tounge flooring. Please do not use the Bitumen rubber on the top surface of your flooring.

The Ametalin is to be used underneath your flooring as well. Since you have a steel framed flooring, I suggest engaging the services of an insulation specialist as the installation of insulation underneath your steel frame floor is a bit complex and will require specialist products. 

I don't recommend covering the flooring with any material as it only traps the moisture in between and will damage the red tounge. As Nailbag has mentioned the Structaflor can be left exposed to weather for five months. But the sooner you get your roof cover up the better. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.    

Eric