Subfloor for hardwood

Doug asks:

Hi Jake. I hope you can help settle this. 

I have an 8 year old home. I am ready to install 3/8 br. cherry hardwood. The subfloor is 3/4 ps2 osb and there is a 1/4 underlayment of utility plywood throughout. I removed the vinyl so it was level with the dining room, where there was laminate. I am using an insulament on top. Can I go right over using 1 1/4 staples or does the darn 1/4 have to come up? Some of it is glued down and I am afraid i will tear up the osb and have to put plywood right back down. Thanks.

Jake's answer:

Doug,

If the ¼” is in good shape and well attached, I would leave it down.  You are correct about the damage that might occur if you try to remove it.  I have seen the veneers of the sub floor de-laminate under these conditions, and then you will be right back where you started, having to cover the sub-floor with another underlayment.