04-23-2015, 10:45 PM
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#5
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Yurt Forum Addict
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,175
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Re: question on T&G flooring
OK skip what I said earlier. Your 2x6 T&G flooring needs to be as dry as possible before installation to keep shrinkage to a minimum. Unless it has thoroughly dried, it is going to shrink, even in NH.
My trad yurt floor is 2x6 construction lumber straight off a bunk at Lowes. Kiln dried, but not even close to the dry climate we have here in CO. It gapped as much as 3/8ths inch. I caulked the floor twice to seal it. That solved the drafts but it ain't pretty.
If your flooring has a single tongue you COULD glue it, but I've never done that nor seen it done for that matter. I'm thinking it isn't a good idea because caulk sets pretty fast and could create real headaches during installation.
I suggest you set the flooring atop plastic or building paper to stop drafts.
If the floor isn't framed I suggest keeping the joist spacing no wider than 24" on center, with 19.2" or 16" being better yet.
As for installing, clamps are for doors. For flooring, simply hammer a big 1.5" framers sized chisel into the joist edge and pry the new board back to tighten the joint, then screw it done or nail it.
Also, tap on the tongue to help seat the new board into the last course. You can also toe nail them, but don't bash the tongue! Use a scrap piece gainst the board you are installing and bash on it if you need to persude it into position. You can also 'toe screw' the boards to close the gaps. Drill a pilot hole so the board seats aginst the last course.
Any and all of this works well to get the boards tight. So will clamps but they are slow going. Good luck.
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