Fixing Squeaky Floors: Expert Solutions Revealed

Navigating the Bumps and Squeaks: Addressing Noisy Hardwood Floors

If the distinct sound of a squeaky floorboard is familiar to you, then you know all too well the cringe it incites, especially when you're tiptoeing around the house at night trying not to disturb the whole household. Perhaps it's the children's favorite spot to make a little extra noise while playing. Regardless of where it occurs, the constant noise from your hardwood floor can be a persistent irritant. But there's good news; it's a fixable problem. Every squeak from your floors is a result of some kind of movement, and to rectify it, you need to understand what's prompting your floor to move. This could be due to temperature variations, an uneven subfloor, or issues with the joists. After locating the root of the movement, you can stabilize your floor and silence the noise. Here's a handy guide to identifying common causes of squeaky hardwood floors and how to fix them.

The Seasonal Challenge

If your floor suddenly starts to squeak, don't fret. Take a moment to consider the prevailing weather conditions. As engineered and solid hardwood floors are composed of natural wood, they react to seasonal temperature shifts by expanding and contracting. A bit of movement in your floors is expected. If your floors start to squeak in the heart of winter, it's likely due to dry winter air and your home's heating system causing the wood floor to contract. This contraction leaves room for your floorboards to move, increasing the chances of your planks rubbing against each other or the fasteners keeping them in place. Seasonal squeaks are common and often self-resolve once temperatures and humidity levels increase, resulting in floor expansion. Nevertheless, to prevent this issue, it's beneficial to maintain a stable humidity level of 40 to 60 percent in your home, particularly in rooms with hardwood flooring.

Joist-Related Issues

Joists, which form part of the underlying structure of your floor and subfloor, are horizontal bars providing your floor's foundational framework. When functioning correctly, the joists stabilize your subfloor, inhibiting any movement. Consequently, any problems with your joists may result in loose flooring that leads to unwanted noise. Joist-related issues could include loose or warped joists or gaps between your joists and your subfloor. If you suspect your joists are the culprits behind your squeaky floors, access to the basement or the room beneath the flooring is necessary for a confirmation. This will allow you to inspect the joists supporting your floor for any apparent issues.

Subfloor Difficulties

Occasionally, the problem is neither with the top floor nor the joists, but the subfloor. Uneven subfloors rank among the most common causes of squeaky floors. If your subfloor isn't level, it results in empty space between the subfloor and the top floor. This space permits movement of the top floor, generating noise. You might also find a misalignment or empty space between your subfloor and the joists. The condition of your subfloor can also lead to problems. Aged or water-damaged subfloors may not hold nails and other fasteners securely, causing a loose subfloor or top floor. This looseness can lead to shifting and the resultant squeaking and creaking sounds.

How to Silence Noisy Wood Floors

The first step to resolving squeaky floors is pinpointing the source of the movement. Knowing the problem's origin will inform your choice of remedial action. Keep in mind that minor issues such as seasonal fluctuations might resolve themselves once the home's humidity normalizes. However, if the squeaking persists, you can address it using one of the following methods.

Shim Installation

Many solutions to squeaky floors necessitate access to the joists and subfloor. If you notice a gap between the joists and the subfloor upon inspection, you can silence the noise by fitting a thin wooden shim into the gap. Ensure you locate the exact source of the noise and the corresponding gap. Carefully position the shim and use carpenter's glue to keep it secure. However, remember to proceed cautiously, as forceful wedging of the shim could accidentally create a bigger gap between the joist and subfloor.

Application of Construction Adhesive

While a shim is useful for addressing a specific, isolated gap, longer gaps might require an adhesive solution. Construction-grade adhesive can fill and secure longer gaps, cracks, and other voids between your joists and subfloor. Applying the adhesive directly into the gap is easiest using a caulking gun. If you opt for this method, inspect both sides of your joist and fill any identified gaps.

Stabilizing Distorted or Noisy Joists

Like your hardwood floors, joists can warp or twist over time, leading to an uneven framework for your subfloor, resulting in gaps and unwanted noise. However, you can stabilize uneven joists by securing warped boards with planks along the joist. Attach the plank to both the joist and the subfloor above to connect them securely. Alternatively, you can install wooden blocks between two joists, which will help stabilize your joists and the subfloor to inhibit movement.

Screwing from Below

If your joists are intact but your subfloor is loose, one effective solution is securing the subfloor to your top floor by screwing from the subfloor's underside. This technique bridges any gaps that cause shifting and creaking, holding your subfloor and top floor together. Be careful not to drill too far, which could damage your finished top floor.

Screwing from Above

If you can't access the area beneath your squeaky floors, you can still remedy the problem by securing your top floor to the subfloor or joists from above. However, this method poses a challenge in concealing your repairs. If you opt to screw your floors down from above, ensure the screws or nails are countersunk to eliminate sharp edges. You can use wood filler or scratch concealer to hide any resulting holes, ensuring a neat finish once repairs are complete.

Armed with this valuable information on the common causes of squeaky hardwood floors and how to fix them, you're ready to tackle even the noisiest wood flooring issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with noisy hardwood floors can be a frustrating experience, but it's a problem that can be addressed and resolved. By understanding the underlying causes of squeaky floors, such as seasonal temperature changes, joist-related issues, and subfloor difficulties, you can take appropriate measures to silence the noise. Whether it's using shims, applying construction adhesive, stabilizing warped joists, or securing the subfloor from above or below, there are various methods available to fix squeaky floors. By identifying the source of the movement and selecting the appropriate solution, you can restore tranquility to your home and enjoy the beauty of your hardwood floors. Remember, proper care and maintenance, along with the information provided in this guide, will help you keep your wood floors in pristine condition for years to come.

Last Words

We know how a flooring project is a huge undertaking for you… and can be very expensive. But if you’re not in a rush, I encourage you to shop around. Then check us out. We're a Factory Direct Retailer, so our hardwood prices are guaranteed cheaper than any other retailer. We import the materials ourselves, passing along the savings to you. We have pro installers with 15+ years of experience, at your service. Should you have any further questions, please email us at hello@redeemedflooring.com.