When you face the annoyance of squeaky floors in your home, it’s time to consider hiring a professional floor repair service. Fixing squeaky floors requires expertise in dealing with components that haven’t been installed properly, like floor joists, floorboards, and subflooring. A reliable flooring company is well-equipped to tackle the task and restore peace in your living space.
One of the initial steps a professional will take is to assess the extent of the damage. By pulling up the carpet or rug, they can identify the squeaking areas and determine the root of the problem. Whether it’s a result of water damage, construction issues, or age-related wear and tear, a skilled floor repair service will provide an accurate diagnosis. Once the source of the squeaks is determined, the experts will use various techniques and materials to fix the problem without spending much money. Simple fixes like shims or lubricants like baby powder can temporarily ease the noise, but a professional will offer a long-lasting solution.
Professionals have the knowledge and tools to address any underlying problems, like warped joists or damaged floors, which can lead to bigger issues if left unattended. In our guide, you can learn more about fixing squeaky floors and why it is often recommended to hire a professional to ensure a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution.
By the end, you’ll better understand how they help fix the root cause of the problem. However, you could save on repair costs doing it yourself and fix creaking and squeaking floors without replacing the floor. (Learn How Long To Let Wood Glue Dry)
Understanding How To Fix Squeaky Floors
You know how annoying it can be to have a squeaky area on your floor. The good news is you don’t have to live with it. You can fix squeaky floors, but first, you need to understand the root of the problem. Squeaking floors are caused by movement between the subfloor and the floorboards or between them. As you walk across the floor, the boards rub against each other, causing the squeak.
To fix squeaky floors, you must determine if it’s already at its worst or could get worse. Is it the subfloor, the floorboards, or the joists? You can determine the source take steps to fix the problem, especially if you can inspect your floor from your crawl space.
Another common cause of squeaking floors is the subfloor. If the subfloor is not level, it can cause the floorboards to rub together and squeak. Here, shimming the subfloor may be necessary to level it out. If the squeaky area is high-traffic, you may need additional support for the joists to prevent movement. This can be done by adding blocking or sistering the joists.
Common Causes of Squeaky Floors
If you’re experiencing squeaky floors, it’s important to understand the potential causes of the problem. Here are some common causes of squeaky floors:
- Loose floorboards: Loose floorboards are a common cause of squeaky floors.
- Subflooring issues: Squeaky floors can also be caused by subflooring issues. If the subflooring is not properly attached, it rubs against the floor joists.
- Water damage can cause floorboards to warp and separate from the subfloor.
- Dry air: In dry conditions, the wood in your floorboards can shrink, causing small gaps between the boards.
- Warped joists: If the floor joists are warped or damaged, they can cause the floorboards to become uneven.
If you’re experiencing squeaky floors, it’s important to identify the problem’s cause before attempting to fix it. Depending on the cause of the squeaking, you may need to hire a professional to help you fix the problem. Sometimes, fixing floors may require removing the floorboards and addressing the underlying issue. In other cases, you could fix the problem using construction adhesive between two boards to prevent them from rubbing.
Overall, take the time to diagnose squeaky floors properly and find a long-lasting solution to keep your living room floor quiet.
Identifying the Extent of the Damage
The size and extent of the squeak can determine whether it’s a simple fix or a larger issue that requires professional attention. Additionally, if the squeak is caused by floorboards or subfloor damage, it may require more extensive repairs that a professional can handle. If the squeak has been present for a long time, it may have caused permanent damage that needs to be addressed.
Fixing squeaky floors involves more than eliminating noise; they can reveal bigger problems, such as structural issues or damage to the subfloor. By identifying the extent of the damage, the repair is done correctly, ensuring the safety and security of your floors. (Read Large Gap Between Baseboard And Floor)
DIY Fixes for Squeaky Floor Repair
Here are some steps you can take to fix a squeaky floor:
- Locate the source of the squeak: Walk around the room and try to pinpoint where the squeak is coming from. Once you have located the source, mark it with a piece of tape or chalk.
- Pull up the carpet: If you have carpeted floors, you must pull up the carpet to access the floorboards. Use a pair of pliers to remove the tack strips and gently lift the carpet.
- Shim the floorboards: Once you can access the floorboards, use a small piece of wood (a shim) to wedge between the floorboards and the joist. Apply some wood glue to the shim and tap it into place with a hammer. This will provide additional support and stop the floorboards from moving.
- Lubricate the floorboards: If the squeak is caused by friction between the floorboards, you can try lubricating them with some baby powder or WD-40. Sprinkle some powder or spray WD-40 between the floorboards and rub it with a cloth.
- Replace the screws: If a loose screw causes the squeak, replace it with a short screw slightly thicker than the original. Ensure the screw head is flush with the floorboard to avoid creating a bump.
When to Hire a Professional for Hardwood Floor Fixes
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods to fix the squeaks in your floors and they persist, it may be time to call in a professional. A professional floor repair service or flooring company can help you repair squeaky floors and provide peace of mind that the job is done right.
While it may be tempting to save money by attempting to fix squeaks in wood floors yourself, consider the potential for bigger issues if the repair is not done correctly. A squeaky floor indicates your subfloor needs attention. While a professional squeaky floor repair service come with a price tag, they can assess the situation and fix the problem pretty easily (you do get free quote and a guarantee when it’s done).
When hiring, look for a reputable flooring company with experience in hardwood floor repairs and when subfloor needs repair. In summary, a professional flooring company can fix squeaks and provide peace of mind. (Learn How To Get Urine Out Of Grout Around Toilet)
Frequently Asked Questions: How To Repair Floors
Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions about wooden floors.
Do I need to remove the carpet or rug to fix squeaky floors?
It depends on the cause of the squeak. If the squeak is coming from the subfloor or the floorboards, you may need to remove the carpet or rug to access the squeaky area and fix the problem.
Can squeaky hardwood floors be repaired?
Yes, squeaky hardwood floors can be repaired. You can lubricate the squeaky area with powdered graphite or use a specialized squeaky floor repair kit.
What if I have laminate floors? Can they be fixed?
Yes, laminate floors can be fixed if they are squeaking. You can use a laminate floor repair kit or a silicone-based lubricant for the squeaky area.
Can squeaky floors be fixed without removing the subfloor?
Sometimes, squeaky floors can be fixed without removing the subfloor. You can try securing the floorboards or joists from below using screws or nails. However, if the subfloor is damaged or compromised, it may need to be replaced.
How long does a squeaky floor repair last?
The longevity of a squeaky floor repair depends on the method used and the underlying cause of the squeak. Properly executed repairs can last long, but addressing any underlying issues is important to ensure a lasting fix.
Can I repair squeaky hardwood floors myself?
Yes, you can repair squeaky hardwood floors yourself. You can eliminate the squeaks by locating the source and using techniques like shimming or construction adhesive to secure the floorboards.
What should I do if my laminate floor is squeaking?
If your laminate floor is squeaking, use a floor repair kit specifically designed for laminate floors. These kits often include tools and materials to fix the squeak without damaging the floor.
Can a warped joist cause a squeaky floor?
Yes, a warped joist can cause a squeaky floor. If the joists do not properly support the floorboards or subfloor, it can create movement and lead to squeaky floors.
Should I replace the entire floor to fix squeaky floors?
In most cases, you do not need to replace the entire floor to fix squeaky floors. By addressing the areas where the squeaks are coming from and securing the floorboards or subfloor, you can usually eliminate the squeaks without a full replacement.
How long does a floor repair last?
A floor repair can last a long time if done properly. You can enjoy a quiet and stable floor for many years by properly securing and addressing the source of the squeaks. (Learn Can You Walk On Tile Before Grouting)
Can a damaged subfloor cause squeaking floors?
Yes, a damaged subfloor can cause squeaking floors. If the subfloor is not properly supported or weakened, it can create movement and lead to squeaks in the finished floor.
