Squeaky floors can drive even the most sane people nuts. Loud creaking floors can wake people up in the middle of the night and cause everyone to loose sleep. These easy floor repairs will make you understand how you can get rid of squeaking floors in your home!
How to fix squeaking floors? There are a few ways to repair a squeaky floor, one of which is by adding some construction Adhesive for Long Gaps between floor boards. If the gaps are not very wide, clean between the floor boards and add a small amount of baby powder to get rid of the squeak!
Since squeaks can come from a few different locations, it’s important to figure out exactly where they are coming from before getting started.
It’s not always an exact process, but with a little bit of hard work and determination, the floor can be much more peaceful than ever before.
Where is the Squeaking in the Floor Coming?
Every single floor noise starts with some type of movement. Figuring out where the movement is coming from is the first step to getting rid of squeaks altogether.
There are two main areas where squeaks come from with floors, and the treatment is slightly different for each.
Board to Board Contact
If two floor boards are rubbing up against each other, they are going to make noise every single time they touch.
This noise will stay in one spot, and the boards will even be noticeably moving when they are walked on.
This usually only happens with older floor setups for a home. With that being said, this can make it pretty difficult to completely solve.
There might be some remedies here and there, but nothing will completely silence the squeaks until there is a significant change.
Subfloor
If there is noise covering larger areas, this usually comes down to the subflooring. There’s a chance that there won’t be any noticeable movement, but the squeaking won’t just stop.
Treating the subfloor is a little bit trickier, but the good news is that it’s fairly easy to repair with some simple fixes.
What Type of Floors Make Noise?
Many associate floor noises and squeaks coming from the floor with older homes only. The fact is, brand new homes can have creaks that are troublesome as well.
If the flooring isn’t fitted properly or is warped in any way, it can start to cause some creaking issues regardless of age.
Temperature plays a role in affecting the squeaks coming from floors. When it’s colder, dry air can create a little bit of shrinkage between floorboards and the subfloor. It doesn’t take much for squeaks to start to occur.
When it turns to summer, humidity tends to cause wood to swell just a bit. It almost feels like there’s no space available between boards, which can cause squeaking as well.
There’s a reason why there’s a little bit of space between floorboards in the first place.
The good news is professionals know very much all about how weather affects flooring. They are going to put everything into place the way it should be to minimize any complications.
Ways to Fix Squeaking Floors
Try these treatments out for squeaking floors. Some of them are pretty easy to try out with stuff already in most homes.
In other cases, a person might have to go out and buy additional material to get everything squeak-free.
1. Powder
Whether a person opts for a baby powder (Amazon) or talcum powder, this is a perfect way to take care of an isolated squeaky spot on the floorboard.
It’s very simple, as sprinkling a little bit of powder right on the source will do a very good job. Try to massage it into the floorboard as much as possible so that it isn’t too messy.
The trick is to knock the floor a little bit while putting the powder on, as it will start to drop down between the two boards. Remove the excess powder, and it should be good to go.
Don’t think about needing too much powder to see results. In most cases, just a moderate amount will get the job done.
2. Silicon
There’s a ton of versatility when it comes to using Silicon around the home. Most know that it’s a lubricant that can get jobs done with metals, but will it work around wood?
As long as silicon isn’t overused too much, it’s a great opportunity to get some of the squeak to go away.
Just make sure not to put too much silicon on the floor since it can get very slippery. Make sure to thoroughly clean the floor afterwards so it’s safe to walk on without slipping.
To better control the amount of silicon that goes on the floorboard, spray it first into a paper towel and then rub it into the affected area. It’s very easy to get carried away with the amount of spray that goes into a spot.
The video above features how I use silicon to make doors stop squeaking. It works like a charm compared to WD-40!
3. Clean Between Floorboards
If the floor is not completely sealed and there are ways to run something between boards, it’s always a good idea to do that and see how it heals any squeaking issues.
Floors get very dirty, and that means plenty of stuff can get caught between two floorboards if a person isn’t careful.
The squeaking could be fixed almost automatically with just a little bit of cleanup as far as that’s concerned.
How can it be cleaned very easily? Try using a knife for something very thin to get between the boards. This will help to dig out anything that doesn’t need to be there.
If it’s an ongoing issue there really seems to be more trouble than it’s worth, look into some type of sealant that can close off those small gaps.
Not only will this help to eliminate squeaking, but it makes cleaning the floors a lot easier.
4. Shim
If there’s access to the underside of the floor causing sound issues, placing a shim into the gap is a perfect solution in many ways.
A lot of times, people are surprised that there is a gap between the top of the floor joist and the subfloor. This can be alleviated with a little bit of carpenter’s glue and a shim put into the gap.
It shouldn’t be forced in there, as it will bump the floor and cause some issues. Just simply fill the gap, and the squeaky spot will go away.
It might sound like a complicated process, but what many will find is that they can take care of it all without any assistance.
5. Nail Additional Wood to a Warped Joist
Floor joists have the opportunity to shrink or warp if they are around for long enough. When this happens, there is a little bit of separation between the subfloor and the joists. The larger the gap, the more opportunities there are for creaks to creep in.
One way to fix this is to put a piece of wood into the troubled joist and let it go from there.
Make sure it’s laying flat against the joist and have it secured in an extra way with screws. With the extra wood, the subfloor is much less likely to move.
6. Construction Adhesive for Long Gaps
Shims work if they are put into very specific spots. If there is a long gap with the floor joist, a shim by itself is not going to work.
Construction adhesive (Amazon) is a better option, as something like a caulking gun will harden up and prevent movement with the floor.
Gaps tend to form on a particular side of a joist. Make sure to check both sides to see which one is the culprit.
Filling the gap with adhesive will make a significant impact.
7. Screwing the Subfloor and Finished Floor Together
The floor can sometimes separate from the subfloor, causing some squeaking issues that are just a little bit too loud for some.
A short screw could be all the person needs to fasten the subfloor and the floor together to eliminate any gap.
The screws can’t be too long in this case, as they don’t need to be sticking out at all. If it’s too long, it could also go to the floorboards.
It’s a pretty simple solution, but some people will hire a professional just so it’s done correctly.
8. Fixing Squeaks Above the Floor
Not everyone has access to the underneath section of a floor. If that’s the case, try to find a spot making squeaking noises and also the underfloor joist. Put the nail into the floor so that it goes into the joist.
It’s important that the nails are below the surface of the floor so that they aren’t in the way later on.
The important part, like always, is to eliminate the gap so that the squeaking stops once and for all.
9. Carpet/Rugs
One of the oldest tricks out there when it comes to squeaky floors is to simply put down carpet or use a rug in that particular area.
Of course, not everyone wants to look at carpet or a rug in that room, but those who don’t mind will find it to be a great fix overall.
Hardwood floors definitely have their appeal, but they can be extremely noisy. Not only are their squeaking issues amplified, but basically any noise coming from those floors is going to be tough to deal with compared to carpet.
For a much quieter area, using a softer surface on the ground makes a lot of sense.
How to Fix Squeaky Laminate Floors!
Laminate floors can look great when they are brand new. A lot of people go with them since they are a cheaper option compared to hardwood, but they do share a pretty similar problem. As time goes on, they are more and more prone to squeaking issues.
Stopping laminate floors from squeaking and creaking sometimes seems fairly easy, but it all comes down to identifying where the sounds are coming from. Finding a solution that lasts a long time will make a big difference.
Want to fix a squeaky laminate floor without spending a lot of money? If it’s a minor issue that needs a little bit of care, these tips might be the way to go.
1. Apply Talcum Powder
Most people already have talcum powder (Amazon) in their home. This powder has plenty of uses, and one of them can be treating a squeaky laminate floor!
Put some of the talcum powder on the floor surface and put it in between the floorboards with a paintbrush. What happens is that the talcum powder will lubricate the joints where there is a lot of creaking.
After talcum is applied, make sure to clean off the flooring to prevent any slipping accidents. Another way to kill the sound is to put some carpeting over that area as well. It can be temporary or permanent.
Talcum powder isn’t going to last forever, but it provides a temporary fix. It’s also easy to apply over and over again as long as a person remembers.
2. Use Adhesive
An uneven subfloor can cause quite a few sound issues. Lifting up laminate boards to have access to the joist makes it a pretty easy fix.
All the person has to do is apply some sealant to stop movement between the joist and the subfloor.
Construction adhesive it’s pretty affordable, and it could be used whenever there are issues to pop up.
Don’t be afraid to try out a few different adhesives at home first. It won’t really hurt anything, but not everything is effective.
3. Screw Laminate Floor Into Subfloor
A long-term solution that can be done without any professional assistance is to screw pieces into the subfloor and eliminate movement as much as possible.
All it takes is identifying where the sound is actually coming from, and a drill bit can go into the hole to help out with everything.
Make sure to look for a wood screw option instead of a drywall screw. It’s going to last much longer, especially when a person pushes the screw head in a little bit deeper than the surface of the laminate.
After everything is done, use some wood putty to cover the screw to hide the repair.
Keep in mind that this will not work for a floating floor installation. It’s only going to work to adjust the underlayment by securing the subfloor screws.
4. Joist Mounts
Using adjustable joist mounts can be a great way to get a fix as long as a person has the ability to access the underside of the wood floors.
It’s better to address the issue from this direction in many cases. Start by having someone walk up the stairs and listen to the floor moving around and making creaking noises.
Once the noise source has been located, put an adjustable joist mount to the bottom side of the subfloor right next to the floor joist near the area where the floor is moving around.
Make sure to attach the bottom half of the joist mount with a screw into the underside of the subfloor. Wrap it around and into the joist, tighten things up, and the subfloor is finally secured.
5. Installing Rugs or Carpeting
This might not exactly be a perfect fix for creaky laminate floors, but it can be a way for people to get everything back to normal so that they are no longer having to deal with sound issues.
What carpeting or a rug can do is drown some of the sound that is nothing more than a distraction. There’s also a way to put additional layers underneath these to help treat sound as well.
Of course, people are losing the appeal of having a laminate floor in the first place. Without having a laminate floor to look at, it takes away the investment in the first place.
Some people move away from carpening because they no longer want it.
6. Move Certain Furniture Away From Noisy Areas
If a part of a laminate floor is making a lot of noise, it could be because of what’s sitting on top of it.
There are some people who have heavy furniture causing squeaks and different sounds throughout the day. Whenever there are pinch points created, it can cause some disturbances.
Moving the furniture away to another area could help identify the problem. Maybe it’s just rubbing up against that particular part of the floor, but it can be fixed with a move.
It makes sense to move around heavy furniture periodically anyway so that nothing is sinking the floor or causing permanent damage.
7. Hiring a Professional
There’s always the option of hiring a professional to come out and take a look at what exactly is causing the issue.
While it’s going to be the most expensive option, sometimes it is the only way to get everything sounding the way it should.
What they will be able to do is completely replace certain parts of the floor if they have to.
It’s a last-case scenario for some people, but it’s still better than having to live with flooring that is not exactly sounding the way it should.
What Causes Laminate Floors to Creak?
The floorboards of a flooring creak and squeak for plenty of reasons. Failure to identify what is causing the issue will lead to a lot of troubleshooting.
The good news is that there’s really only three main issues that end up being the problem for homeowners.
Underlayment Issues
The underlayment is what goes underneath laminate flooring. It is what sits between the floor and the subfloor.
Plywood is usually what is used in new construction. If the plywood has been compromised or is not existing, the two floors might be rubbing against each other.
When there’s any type of friction like this, it becomes noisy.
Bad Subfloor
Subfloor attaches to the flooring through the joist. A subfloor needs to be installed properly, or there could be some squeaking with the gap in between.
Anytime there is pressure on the subfloor and the lineup isn’t accurate, it creates an issue.
If a subfloor is not installed correctly, it could be because the person in charge used a nail gun instead of screws.
Nails will pull away as time goes on, and it loosens up the subfloor from the joist. This can create gaps that are only going to creak more and more as time goes on.
Moisture
Flooring is going to swell no matter what it’s made of. Laminate floors don’t swell quite as much as wood, but there needs to be a little bit of a gap for expansion.
Not only that, but using moisture-blocking underlayment for the floor as well.
Should I Worry About Squeaky Floors?
A somewhat squeaky floor is not going to be too much of a problem. What a person really needs to look out for is whether or not the boards are moving around a lot when walking. If it becomes a tripping hazard, there could be a problem.
There’s also instances where there is a drop in level when a laminate floor plank is broken. People usually notice that there are bigger problems than just dealing with noise at that point. It could still cause some sound issues.
What if the Surface Itself is Making Noise on a Laminate Floor?
There are squeaks and creeks that people need to watch out for, but there are surface sounds as well.
Sometimes, they can’t be avoided, especially if the person is walking with shoes on and coming up against laminate flooring.
There’s bound to be some squeaks if there is some movement in the right spots.
If the floor is too squeaky, there are different ways to clean it and add some texture as well. It might not be as aesthetically pleasing, but it at least kills the annoying noises.
Why Laminate Floors Needs Fixed
No one likes having to deal with squeaky laminate floors if they don’t have to. As annoying as they can be, it’s even more annoying to have to pay for and fix out-of-pocket.
Try out the cheaper options first and see how it all works. It might be surprising how something so simple can make a difference.
Squeaky floors create annoying problems that never seem to go away, but there are tricks out there worth exploring.
How to Repair Squeaky Floors Under Existing Carpet?
It’s already been talked about that a carpet or rug can limit the amount of noise a squeaking floorboard makes.
However, there are times when people just want to fully repair what’s underneath, and that means thinking outside the box.
This involves using a screw through a carpeted floor. It might seem like it would do some damage to the carpet, but it can be fluffed up and covered properly so that it looks like nothing was ever touched.
The best part is that a person automatically avoids having the need to go through the entire process of taking the carpet up and treating the floorboard in that regard.
Even if the floorboard isn’t entirely fixed with the squeak, it’s still better than doing nothing at all. Combined with the way that carpet and rugs help out with killing sound, it’s a great overall setup. ]
When is it Time to Repair Floors Altogether?
The current amount of squeaks might be indicating that there are bigger issues with the floor in general.
If it seems like squeaks just won’t go away with any methods that are talked about in this article, it might be best to look into replacing the floor altogether.
This is a big blow to a person‘s finances, as nobody wants to look at the extensive project of replacing an entire floor.
The good news is that in some cases, only part of the floor is necessary to replace. There are ways to get around a huge price tag and only do some fixes that are a little more budget-friendly.
Floors that are in poor enough shape are vulnerable enough that they could do much more than just make noise.
The last thing anybody wants to do is push flooring to the point that it could fail altogether. If it’s a second floor or higher, the squeaks are a very minor issue compared to failing.
What type of cost is the person looking at if they need to install a brand-new floor? With hardwood flooring, there is quite a bit of range.
On the low end, people probably won’t find any flooring lower than three dollars per square foot.
On the high end, it can get above $20 per square foot. This is including both the materials and labor to get everything ready for use.
How Do Squeaky Floors Affect Others?
Squeaky floors are automatically noticeable when a person is in that room. They are the ones causing the squeaking, and it starts to bounce off the walls pretty easily. However, squeaky floors usually mean that other areas are affected.
At the very least, any floor below the flooring is also dealing with the squeaks. In fact, they might be dealing with more noise since it is bouncing off of the ceiling.
People who own both floors of the property already know this, but it could be impacting others if it is a shared space.
There might be instances where people have their hands tied as far as making replacements and fixing up the floor in general.
If it’s affecting someone else’s apartment or office, there comes a point where there needs to be a replacement done so that a person doesn’t have fines sent to them.
Do Squeaky Floors Hurt Property Value?
Real estate agents will be quick to point out that squeaky floors are indeed a negative when it comes to selling a home.
Most people who are in the business of looking for a brand new home don’t want to deal with any type of additional fixes that could become very costly.
Squeaky floors might seem charmful in an older home, but it just means another cost for the average buyer.
Unless it’s a true fixer-upper, most people want to have a house that’s easy to move into right away and does not need repairs that could displace them for a little bit.
When an entire floor is replaced, a family usually has to move out and do something else until it’s finished.
Try to take care of squeaky floors as much as possible before listing any type of property on the market.
It’s one of those things that is impossible to hide, as any open house is going to showcase the squeaking front and center.
A home doesn’t have to be perfect, especially if it’s older, but controlling the squeaks as much as possible will be beneficial.
Is It Worth Fixing Squeaky Floors?
No one likes having to make simple repairs around home, but taking care of squeaky floors early on will prevent further damage later.
Squeaks aren’t going to go away by themselves, especially when people are walking on the floors every single day.
Plenty of solutions exist that are completely doable by an average person with some general tools and equipment.
However, hiring a professional is always going to provide some extra peace of mind to fix squeaky floors as well.
There are some instances where squeaks are just too much and the entire floor needs to be replaced, but most people have additional issues besides just a squeaking that will indicate that.
Inside a home or office, floors are used so much throughout the day that they are bound to go through some issues once in a while.
Don’t be afraid to give them some care so that they don’t break down over constant usage. There are way too many people out there who have fallen victim to letting a few squeaks be ignored.
The next thing they knew, the squeaking was becoming so bad that the entire flooring needed to be replaced. It’s much easier to try some smaller solutions that make sense for anyone on a budget.