Squeaky floors are uncomfortable and can ruin a party. This can be resolved by identifying the source of the noise. But first, let’s take a look at what causes squeaky floors.
Did you know that squeaky floors are quite common? Most floors, particularly hardwood, make a variety of noises over time.
What are the most common causes of squeaking floors?
Many old-style apartments with parquet flooring have real “walkways” that creak as you enter. Carpets were frequently laid on these old floorboards to soundproof the steps.
There are numerous causes of squeaky floors, each with a do-it-yourself solution. The first step is identifying the noise source and the appropriate solution.
Humidity
Humidity is simply a weather change. We use heaters in the winter to keep the indoor air warm and dry.
However, it has the unintended consequence of shrinking the floorboards. The humidity rises when the weather warms up again, and the floorboards expand. These modifications can result in squeaky floors.
Poor installation
Another cause of squeaky floors is poor installation. Failure to use the proper tools, nails, or screws during installation will result in improper attachment and may cause the planks to move. This can cause floor creaking.
Unequal Joist
The subfloor consists of joists. If the joists aren’t level, the planks won’t be either. A lower joist than the others can cause squeaky noises and, therefore, cannot be nailed or screwed in as securely.
Poorly fitted pipes
Water pipes can be routed incorrectly beneath the floor at times. If this is the case, a notch in the beam should not be made deep enough to allow the tubes to expand and relax.
If not, when someone walks on them, the floorboards press down on the pipes and make squeaking noises.
If the pressure becomes too high, it can cause pipe bursts and water damage.
Short planks
Overly long or squarely cut planks will not interlock properly. The increased mobility of the plank increases the likelihood of squeaking.
Basic problem
This is not a common problem, but it can cause many problems. Underlying problems can be possible if you observe the following characteristics.
- tile cracks
- Uneven flooring
- crack over windows
- arched walls
- Squeaky floors that increase over time
- Hard spots on your flooring
- Cracks in the foundation
A shifting of the ground under your house causes fundamental problems. If you have a foundation problem, your best bet is to call a repair service provider to diagnose and fix the problem.
How to Fix Squeaky Woods
You now understand what causes squeaky floors in your home. The following are simple DIY repair steps.
Talcum powder can be used to fill in floor cracks. Make someone else walk on the wooden floor before going downstairs to investigate the noise source.
When you find it, pour the talc into the crack until the sound stops. Please keep in mind that this is a temporary solution, and you may need to reapply if the noise returns after a while.
To keep the joist from moving, drive two nails at a 45-degree angle into it. This will reduce the squeak’s noise.
First, locate the noise source and insert washers to fill in the gaps. This will prevent the planks from moving and squeaking.
WD-40 is a versatile lubricant. After locating the noise source, you can fill in the gaps with this lube. Use only a small amount to solve this problem.
For laminate flooring, use liquid wax to fix the squeaky floor. Depending on the cause, a professional repair will cost between $200 and $800 to fix a squeaky floor.
Conclusion
Is a squeaky floor a structural or cosmetic problem? No, it does not.
Hardwood floors are the most prone to squeaks. This is due to changes in humidity, the loosening of nails and screws, and other factors. Extreme weather conditions can cause subfloors to shrink or expand. This leads to squeaky floors.
You can use the DIY steps outlined above to fix a squeaky floor. For more serious noises, you should consult a formation consultant.