Creaky floors are a common issue that can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of deeper structural problems. Whether it’s hardwood floors, a timber floor, a plywood subfloor, or when new flooring is installed over an existing floor, understanding what’s causing the noise and how to fix creaky floors is crucial. While many solutions can help fix squeaky floors, persistent squeaky spots could indicate a need for a professional assessment of your home’s foundation.

Why Do Floors Squeak?

Floor squeaks happen when components like floorboards, joists, or nails move against each other. Common causes include:

• Loose floorboards rubbing together or against the subfloor
• Gaps between the subfloor and floor joist
• Nails pulling out of place, leaving screw heads or nail heads exposed
• Flooring boards that weren’t installed properly
• Changes in humidity causing wood to expand and contract

Squeaky floorboards often develop over time, especially in high-traffic areas or older homes. If left unaddressed, these noisy floors can worsen and make your floor surface feel less stable. Proper floor repair is essential to address these underlying issues and prevent further damage.

Easy Fixes for Squeaky Floors

For simple squeaky floor issues, there are a few easy fixes you can try to fix squeaky floorboards before considering professional help.

Tighten Loose Floorboards

Loose boards can create a lot of noise. To fix this, drive screws into the flooring to secure it to the subfloor. Be sure to countersink the screw head to keep the floor surface even.

Apply Construction Adhesive

If the subfloor isn’t secured tightly to the joists, apply construction adhesive between the joists and subfloor. For the best results, access the area from underneath, such as through a crawl space.

Fill Gaps and Cracks

For minor gaps between floorboards, apply wood filler to stabilize the boards. If the cracks are wider, you may need to fill gaps with wood putty or a thin wood shim to stop the movement.

Reduce Friction Between Two Boards

Squeaks often come from friction between two boards, especially in hardwood flooring. Apply powdered graphite or talcum powder between the boards to reduce friction. Wipe away any excess with a damp cloth.

Add Support Underneath

If the plywood subfloor has begun to separate from the joists, securing it to the existing floor can help. Locate the exact location of the squeak using a stud finder. Drill a pilot hole and drive screws into the subfloor to pull it tightly against the joists. Insert shims or plastic packers underneath for added support, and secure them with construction adhesive.

Fixing Squeaky Floors by Type

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are prone to squeaking due to their natural properties. To fix squeaky hardwood floors, you can try the following methods:

• Use a Thin Wood Shim: If there are gaps between the floorboards and the subfloor, a thin wood shim can be an effective solution. Apply construction adhesive to the shim and gently insert it into the gap to stabilize the floorboards.
• Apply Wood Filler: For minor gaps, wood filler can help stabilize the boards. Once the filler dries, use wood putty to fill any remaining gaps and ensure a smooth finish.
• Reduce Friction: Squeaks often result from friction between floorboards. Sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between the boards to reduce friction and eliminate the noise.
• Secure Floorboards: Installing additional screws can help secure loose floorboards to the joists. Use a drill bit to create a pilot hole and countersink the screw head to keep the floor surface even.

Carpeted Floors

Carpeted floors can be trickier to repair, but there are still effective methods to silence squeaks. Try the following:

• Carpenter’s Glue and Shims: Apply carpenter’s glue to the affected area and insert shims to fill gaps between the subfloor and joists. This can help stabilize the floor and reduce squeaks.
• Screw the Subfloor: Carefully use a drill to screw the subfloor to the joist, ensuring you don’t damage the carpet. This method can effectively eliminate squeaks by securing loose areas.
• Construction Adhesive: Apply construction adhesive to the affected area and let it dry. This can help bond the subfloor to the joists and reduce movement that causes squeaks.

Preventive Measures for Future Squeaks

To prevent future squeaks, take the following preventive measures:

• Proper Installation Techniques: Ensure proper installation techniques when installing new flooring or subflooring. This includes using the correct fasteners and materials for the job.
• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your floors for signs of wear and tear. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from becoming major problems.
• Maintain Humidity Levels: Use a humidifier to maintain a consistent humidity level in your home. This can help reduce the likelihood of squeaks by preventing wood from expanding and contracting excessively.

By following these tips, you can help prevent future squeaks and keep your floors quiet and secure.

Why Persistent Squeaks Might Be a Bigger Problem

Sometimes, fixing squeaky floorboards isn’t enough to solve the problem. Persistent squeaks could indicate a larger issue, such as shifting joists or problems with your home’s foundation. Signs that your squeaky floors may have deeper causes include:

• Uneven or sloping floors
• Cracks in walls or ceilings
• Doors or windows that don’t close properly
• Gaps forming between the flooring and the wall

Structural issues in the foundation can cause the subfloor and joists to move, resulting in squeaks that no amount of quick fixes can eliminate. Addressing these deeper structural issues often requires professional floor repair to prevent further damage.

Eliminate Creaky Floors with ProCore Foundation Repair

When squeaky floor issues persist despite your best efforts, it’s time to look beyond surface-level fixes. ProCore Foundations specializes in assessing and performing floor repair to address foundation problems that may contribute to noisy floors. From evaluating floor joists to ensuring your subfloor is properly supported, we’ll identify and resolve the root cause of your creaky floors.

Don’t let squeaky spots disrupt your comfort or signal deeper structural problems. Contact ProCore Foundations today to schedule a professional assessment and keep your home stable, safe, and squeak-free.