I had a cracked tub repaired in my condo conversion. There was no support underneath it, so expanding foam was placed underneath. Well, this foam expanded so much it broke through the ceiling of the downstairs neighbor.

Before I decide to fix it, I wanted to know from my HOA if it was really my fault, as there is nothing between my floor and their ceiling, except the drywall. I figured there should be a subfloor there. The HOA said that the subfloor can erode/disappear and its not that the building is out of code.

Anyone here know anything about this?

I can tell you this... a tub needs to sit on a subfloor.. period. Call the local building inspector in your city/town and talk to him... see what he thinks of what that HOA is saying. Let me know what he says.. o.k.? Good luck

Thanks for your response, I'll let you know.

And, do you mean an inspector that you would get if you're buying a house?

Hey Enserio... NO.. I mean a city/town building inspector. Call town/city hall main number and ask to be connected to the building department. Then ask to talk to a building inspector... explain what your HOA told you.. and adk him what to do next... sounds like unsafe conditions to me..?

A building inspector is much different then a home inspector. Let me know what he says.

Got you. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. While I'm not ignorant on some subjects, I'm completely in the dark when it comes to this and don't want to be taken advantage of.

I will definitely let you know.

Here's the update.

I had two licensed drywall and painting companies to come out and give estimates for repair to the downstairs unit.

Both contractors were flabbergasted at the sheer volume of foam that was used. Both confirmed that in upstairs units the subfloor stops at the tub. The reasoning is that if plumbing work were necessary to piping under the tub, a subfloor would be in the way and need to be removed. So, usually in upstairs units the subfloor stops at the tub.

I just sent an email detailing this to the bathtub refinishing company explaining this. I also told them that if they didn't help me take care of the damage, that I'm going to the Contractors State Licensing Board.

Enserio... what did a BUILDING INSPECTOR say.. I'm not buying what the other contractor's said.. YET! Check with building inspector... just in case.

I totally agree with massplumber2008. The sub floor should go under the tub at all times no matter what floor it is on. The tub can NOT sit on the floor joist alone. Sub floors just don't "disapear" over time. I would seriously contact your local building inspector!
Mike

I was going through the process of getting the building inspectors opinion until the tub company agreed to pay for repairs.

Sounds like this may be resolved Enserio. Let us know if the next guys use a SUBFLOOR!! Thanks for update!