Don’t let the annoyance of squeaky floors ruin your quiet comfort at home. Whether you live in a modern or older property, finding a suitable solution ensures you enjoy your space to its maximum potential.

However, there are numerous reasons why your floors might be squeaking, so determining the best fix isn’t always straightforward. With age, structural issues and daily wear and tear possible culprits, understanding the cause is crucial for arriving at the ideal solution.

Here, we’ll explore how to fix squeaky floors from numerous perspectives, helping homeowners address frustrating creaks and whines whenever someone moves in your house. With a few changes, you can quickly elevate the serenity of your space.

Discover the Source of the Squeak

Ready to fix your squeaky floors? First, you have to discover the source of the squeak. You can save yourself time and energy if you have a solid idea about the components of your floor, ranging from the top layer to the subfloor and joists. With each having the potential to create squeaks, getting up close is the best approach.

For example, if water damage has caused your subfloor to deteriorate, the nails and fasteners that typically hold down the panels can shift and rub against each other, leading to squeaks. Similarly, if the joists become loose or aren’t strong enough to withstand the weight on them without flexing, they might begin to creak in distress.

Although it can be difficult to identify the exact location of a squeak, you can use a few time-tested methods to increase your precision. Walk back and forth slowly in the room, carefully listening for the precise spot creaks occur. If you can access the subfloor, a torch and a mirror can help you look for gaps in your joists and other components.

Choose the Ideal Fix

Once you feel confident you’ve identified the problem area, it’s time to find the right solution for the job. But with several approaches to consider, you don’t want to rush into the process. Here, we explore the most common ways to fix squeaky floors from above and below.

Add Shims to the Joists

If the gaps between your joists and subfloor are causing creaks and squeaks, many homeowners have found success by sliding shims into these spaces. Shims are essentially thin pieces of wood, perfect for preventing the floor from moving and making annoying noise.

You can add shims from above or below your floor. Just add a small amount of wood glue to the shim and wedge it between the gaps in the joists and subfloor. Once the glue has dried, you can trim back the shim to create a flush finish between the joists and subfloor.

How to Prevent Squeaky Floors

What’s better than fixing squeaky floors? Preventing them in the first place. Although you can’t predict the future, there are steps you can take before, during and after installation to ensure you don’t encounter frustrating sounds in the years ahead. Here are some simple tips to avoid squeaky floors becoming an issue in your home.

Install the Right Way

Installing your floor with the proper technique is crucial to achieving a solid base free from creaks and squeaks. Unfortunately, there’s a lot that can go wrong during the process. For example, you might not leave enough space for expansion gaps, fail to use enough nails or even choose the wrong wood for your circumstances. By following the manufacturer’s precise installation instructions, you can avoid many of the most common pitfalls.

Conduct Regular Inspections

While a properly installed floor should last for years without issue, conducting regular inspections and maintenance is vital for upkeep. At least once a year, every homeowner should inspect their floor for common concerns, such as gaps appearing in the joists or nails coming loose. This way, you can address any issues that arise before they become a bigger problem. If you want to prevent squeaky floors, make sure you stay on top of your maintenance.

Chat with the Squeaky Floor Experts

Can’t stand the noise coming from your floor? The experts at Squeaky Floors have what it takes to fix your problem. As a standout specialist in the space, our professional team is equipped to assist with properties in Melbourne and Sydney.

Founded in 2013, we work on the full spectrum of squeaky floors and ensure our customers benefit from the quietest, most relaxing homes possible. Get in touch today for an obligation-free quote – our helpful team is ready to answer all your questions.