How To Fix Squeaky Or Creaky Wood Floors?
If you live in a home having squeaky floors, then you know how irritating and maddening the sounds can get- especially when trying to sneak downstairs for some midnight snacks.
While squeaky and creaky stairs may be more common for older homes, new homes don’t get exempted.
Given a choice, most homeowners would choose to do away with the creakiness and have quiet flooring. Squeaky floors signify old homes with noisy spaces needing attention.
Thankfully, you can avoid squeaky floors. Let us check out the ways on how to fix squeaky wood floors upstairs.
How To Fix Old Squeaky Wood Floors?
Loose subflooring-both solid board and plywood types- will emit high-pitched chirps. Traditional hardwood strip floor is most susceptible to developing the case of squeaks, but all kinds of flooring can make such noises.
The good news is that it is easy to silence any squeaks in just a few minutes- if you know some tricks. Here, we will show you how to fix squeaky laminate wood floors when working below or above the floor.
Locate The Creak
Have someone from above on the squeak spot. Go underneath the spot and pinpoint the location from below. Mark those spots with removable painter’s tape. Try any number of repairs, starting from the top.
Tap a wooden shim between the joist and the floorboard or subfloor. If it works, remove the shim, coat the wood glue and insert once again. Force the shim far enough to stop the sound of squeaky old wood floors.
Glue The Floor
Run the long bead of construction adhesive within the seam between the joists and the subfloors or floorboards.
Lateral Control
At times lateral control is crucial such as vertical control. If the joists lack blocking or current blocks may not be doing the job, well, cut a two-by-eight board that fits between the joist midpoint.
Next, tap them into place, and hammer them into joists with nails. Now you know how to fix old squeaky wood floors.
What Causes Floors To Squeak Or Creak?
New Floors
In new homes, wood flooring always squeaks and creaks. At times, these may pop or crack without walking on them.
Don’t panic- these are getting acquainted with the new owner. Acclimate the floors before installation and finishing, but it may take months before getting the floor acclimated to the new environment.
Humidity And Temperature Changes
There is no getting around it- Oklahoma is a humid place, especially in the summer months. It can get dry and cold in winter.
Changes in humidity and temperature can cause woods to expand or contract, causing the planks to separate somewhat.
When someone walks into the area, it naturally squeaks or creaks. Because of the humidity and temperature, you may notice it gets unnoticed some times of the year. You can fix squeaky wood floors with baby powder, too.
Finally, squeaks and cracks are common in flooring, and these are harmless. If these don’t harm you, don’t do anything to damage the floor.
Related Article: How Can You Refinish Hardwood Flooring?
