Squeaky floors are a mess to deal with. Not only are they annoying but they can get really distracting as well. And they have this tendency of going all squeaky - squeaky precisely at the moment when you don't want them to. Like when you're sneaking into the house and there they are, squeaking about. And it's not like it's a good thing...like in terms of 'squeaky clean'. Nope. It's really annoying. Why and how exactly do these squeaky hardwood floors come about and how does one go about fixing these them? Read to find out more about this.
Causes and Solutions
There are a number of reasons that can cause squeaky floors. But there are ways on how to fix them as well.
Loosened Nails
Problem
Sometimes the edges of the subfloor keep knocking against each other giving rise to squeaky floors. That is the problem with wood flooring. This is because the nails have become loose, thereby allowing the subfloor layers to become loose.
Solution
Taking a hammer and banging the nails, thereby driving them harder into the floor might sometimes be the only thing that you need to do. But at other times, the problem is not as simple. Try banging the nails, if that doesn't work then try and install another nail or screw near the previous nail so that it adds to the strength of the nail. Stand near the area that has become loose and add the extra weight to the area. In that case if there is something that has bent underway will go back in place. Then drive the extra screw and nail in and that should likely solve the problem for good.
Sometimes, it's not just one floor that needs to be driven in to solve the problem. There may be an entire section that has squeaky floors. So one nail is not enough. In such a case make use of an electric machine or gun so that more screws and nails can be driven in at the same time.
Squeaky Seams
Problem
Sometimes two pieces of plywood might be too tightly pressed against each other, thus giving rise to squeaky floors. So also during installation, there might be extra pressure that has formed between the edges and that might give rise to squeaky floors, every time you step on them.
Solution
Make sure to use this method of sawing only for squeaky seams and not anything else.
Try lubricating the seams with the help of graphite or silicone spray. You might find that this will most probably solve the problem, but it might also make a comeback with persistent use. Therefore a more permanent solution is to use a saw and open the joints slightly. But be careful when you saw off and open the joints, as you might saw off a lot more than what is required, giving rise to some new problems. All you need to do is saw off about half an inch or as much thickness that the blade has. This way you'll be allowing a little space in between and that should stop the squeaky floors from acting all squeaky. Next, put in some adhesive with the help of a knife into the crack. This will allow the flooring to be together and not get separated again.
Mystery Squeak
Problem
Sometimes, even after driving extra nails into the floor or sawing off the space in between the seams, the annoying noise continues.
Solution
This requires the most skills. You will have to check each and every part separately to determine where the noise is coming from. That would mean removing a section of the floor to check for the beam and truss, and see whether it is loose. Then determine the part which is causing that noise and try to fix it. Finally, put everything back in place. If you think that this is way beyond something that you can handle, then it would really help to get some professional help for the same. That way, there won't be any untoward effects on your flooring.
Now that you know a little about how to tackle squeaky floors, you can give it a try at least. Just make sure that you don't get overenthusiastic and end up making a mess of things! Just kidding ...You go kill the squeak right away! All the best!
