Does your home have squeaky floors?
There are several solutions, but we will focus on the one method that has worked best for us in several different properties. Alternative methods and ideas have been used as well, but we will discuss those a little later. So, let us get started by talking about what causes floors to squeak.
Why Do Floors Squeak?
This can occur when….
- the subfloor was being installed and some nails missed the floor joist
- floors contract in the winter and expand in the summer
- floor joists are rotted or warped
- there are gaps between the subfloor and joist
- floorboards are rubbing together
The Method that Worked for Us
First, you need access to the crawl space. If you have a basement there can be no ceiling drywall, such as in the case of having a drop ceiling. If you are accessing a crawl space, remember to dress appropriately as some crawl spaces may have bugs, spiders, spider webs, moist areas, darkness, dampness, and hard to reach areas with limited head space. Depending on the height of your crawl space, you may even need to slide around on your belly, so be prepared with proper clothing and a very bright flashlight. Plan ahead as to what you will do if you happen upon a snake. Although rare, it is possible. Be prepared not to panic in any situation and contact a professional if you do not feel comfortable in small spaces such as these.
If you have a basement where a drywall ceiling has already been installed, this method may not be the best alternative.
Materials Needed
- Some type of liquid nails or construction adhesive
- Caulk gun to hold the tube of liquid nails or construction adhesive
- Flashlight
- Eye protection
- Jumpsuit or any clothes and shoes that are both protective and okay to get dirty
Once you have located the squeak, then apply the liquid nails or construction adhesive along the subfloor and joist per picture below, takes about 1 day to hardened.
Regarding the above method, if there is a gap between the subfloor and joist, insert a shim before you apply the adhesive. See video below.
Other Alternatives to Fix Floor Squeaks
If the squeak is coming from underneath carpeting, you can pull back the carpet and apply screws where the subfloor is nailed to the joist. You may also try the method in the video below.
If the squeak is coming from your hardwood or laminate flooring, you may try the method in the video below. We have never tried this particular method, but have heard it works as a temporary fix.
And to finish, the video below displays additional options such as using baby powder and other means to fix the squeak.