How to Fix A Squeaky Hardwood Floor Once and for All: The Best Guide

If you’re like most people, the sound of a squeaky floor is enough to drive you crazy. It’s one of those noises that’s impossible to ignore and seems to get louder the more you try not to listen. Fortunately, there is a solution! In this article, we will discuss the common causes of squeaky floors and how to fix them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent your floor from squeaking in the first place. So if you don’t know how to fix a squeaky hardwood floor, you’re in the right place!

Common Causes Of Squeaky Hardwood Floors

Floor Joist Problems

Joists are a structural element of your flooringg system and play an important role in preventing movement and noise. If you notice squeaky floors, it is worth investigating whether the issue is with your joists. To check, you will need access to the basement or room beneath the flooring so that you can look up at the floor joists.

Look for any loose or warped joists or gaps between the joists and subfloor. Once you have identified the problem, you can take steps to repair or replace the damaged joists. This may involve calling in a professional to help with the repairs. However, by taking care of the problem early on, you can prevent further damage to your wood flooring system.

Subfloor Problems

According to NWFA, one of the most common causes of squeaky floors is an uneven subfloor. When your subfloor isn’t level, it can create empty space between itself and the top floor. This space allows for movement of the top floor, which then creates noise. You might also have a misalignment or empty space between your subfloor and the joists.

The quality of your subfloor can also cause issues. If your subfloor is old or has suffered water damage, it won’t be able to hold nails and other fasteners as well. This can lead to a loose subfloor or top floor, both of which can shift and cause squeaks and creaks. In order to fix this issue, you’ll need to level out your subfloor and make sure that it’s properly aligned with the joists. You might also need to replace damaged boards or add additional support to prevent future problems.

Seasonal Issues

Most homeowners are familiar with the fact that wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. However, many people panic when they first hear their floors start to squeak. There is no need to worry, however. A little bit of movement in your floorboards is perfectly normal and is nothing to be concerned about.

If you start to notice that your floors are squeaking more than usual, it is likely due to the dry winter air. Heating your home also causes the air to become drier, which can lead to further contraction of your wood floors. If you are concerned about the condition of your floors, you can always consult a professional for advice. However, in most cases, a little bit of seasonal movement is nothing to worry about.

How To Fix A Squeaky Hardwood Floor

If you want to fix squeaky floors, you first need to identify the source of the movement. And remember, you don’t need to reach for the construction adhesive and wood filler the first time your hardwood flooring makes a sound. But if the problem is serious, there are some ways you can fix your finished floor.

Try Installing Shims

If you have a squeaky floor, there are a few potential solutions. However, many of these solutions require access to the joists and subfloor. If you inspect the area beneath your floor and you find a gap between the joists and the subfloor, you can fix the noise by inserting a thin wooden shim. Pinpoint the exact source of the noise and the gap that exists there. Gently wedge the shim into place. You can also use a bit of carpenter glue to ensure the shim stays. In some cases, you may need to use multiple shims to fill larger gaps. Once in place, the shims will help to reduce or eliminate the squeaking noise.

Use Construction Adhesive

If you’re finding gaps in your joists or subfloor, don’t worry – there are a few ways to fix them. A shim can be used to fix a small, isolated gap, but if the gap is too long for a shim, you can use construction-grade adhesive instead. Adhesive allows you to fill and secure longer gaps, cracks, and other empty spaces between your joists and subfloor. Simply apply the adhesive directly into the gap with a caulking gun. Be sure to check both sides of your joist for gaps and fill any that you find. With this method, you’ll have your joists and subfloor repaired in no time.

Screw The Floor From Underneath

If your joists are in good shape but you’re still hearing creaks and feeling movement in your floor, the issue is likely with your subfloor. In this case, the best solution is to secure the subfloor to your top floor by screwing it down from underneath. This will hold the two together and eliminate any gaps that allow for shifting. When taking this approach, be very careful not to drill through your finished top wood floor. With a little attention to detail, this straightforward fix will have your floors feeling solid and stable in no time.

Conclusion

If your engineered wood floors are squeaking, don’t worry – we can help. We’ve outlined the steps you need to take to fix the problem, depending on how severe it is. And if you have any questions, our team is here to help. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need assistance repairing your wood floors.