The water COULD have gotten past the linoleum even tho it doesn't feel soft in some areas. If you want the whole subfloor replaced, I can't see that it would be a big expense in a bathroom. With the subfloor gone, the joists could be shimmed to make the floor level.

Another thing that can be done to level the floor, after the new subfloor is put down, is use a self-leveling compound. It is actually a cement that is floated onto the floor. It flows to the low areas, leveling the floor. That would make a great surface for any kind of tile, even ceramic. Hope this helps with some questions.

Absolutely! Never apply tile over a sub-floor that has linoleum. Tear up the lino. Figure out what is under it. If sturdy 3/4" ply, you can just add 1/2" cement board or Hardibacker then the tile. If the existing sub is only 1/2", add 3/4" more. A good membrane, such as Ditra, would be the way to go.

Thank you so much for your input. I was really at a loss. I'm a single woman and out of my comfort zone here. It is good to get input and support. My contractor really does not want to replace a floor he feels is solid but now I can contribute your suggestions which I'm sure he will appreciate too. Today he went into the crawl space and discovered that the joists are sagging so he has suggested bolstering them at the same time he replaces the floor.

An excellent idea. What you are looking for is the deflection of the floor. If your contractor knows how to tile, he/she will understand deflection, and will therefore provide you with a tile job that will not ultimately fail. Good luck!

Thank you for the explanation, deets. I will encourage my GC to pursue this task and drop the word *deflection* to impress and keep him on his toes!

Shirley, :).... has your contractor mentioned the very high possibility there could be asbestos in that '65 lino? Don't allow anyone to start cutting on it yet.

Jerry, that was my initial concern when I first saw the linoleum because I remember the issue arising when I was replacing my kitchen floors and few companies were willing (or able) to take them up because of the old linoleum. I eventually put wood floors on top of it.

My contractor did not seem concerned at my suggestion that asbestos might be present. He deflected my comment by saying "There is asbestos in the insulation" and I didn't pursue it.

The portion that has the linoleum is approximately 5' x 7'. Oh boy, this opens a real can of worms. I was planning on tile with radiant heat. Do you have any suggestions as to how I should proceed with this?

My contractor was going to bring up these floors today. I think we will have to have a little tete a tete! Thanks for picking up on it, jerry, and don't call me shirley. ;-)

I am not the asbestos ranger Shirley :), but this is dangerous stuff and you have to assume it does contain asbestos. OSHA has regulations on how to deal with it and each state has their own rules on who is able to remove it.

My state lets me remove it by working solo and following all the OSHA rules for removal and disposal.

You could just leave it and cover over it with 1/2" BC plywood to encapsulate it. That is assuming the existing subfloor is not rotted out. Then use Ditra over the new underlayment.

jerry, hank you! I decided not to remove it. Instead we will do as you suggest and cover over it with plywood & Ditra. GC is confident the subfloor is solid. Surely we can control it... And I'm serious, don't call me Shirley! ;-)