Squeaky floors are annoying. Here are some tips for how to deal with squeaky hardwood floors now that winter is over.
Squeaky floors are annoying. That is merely a fact of life. However, you don’t have to deal with them for long. Here are some tips for how to deal with squeaky hardwood floors now that winter is over.
What Causes Them?
Most of the time, your hardwood floors start squeaking because of the winter conditions. You see, dry air in the winter time combined with low humidity and the indoor heating starting up all make the wood in your floors dry out. This wouldn’t ordinarily seem like much of a problem since moisture is the enemy of wood and all, but it can still be a concern all the same. The wood will contract, causing the planks to shrink even when you can’t see this happening. The squeaking sounds you first heard during the winter are irritating, but it’s not a sign of worse things to come. At least, not yet. Wait for spring humidity to come back, and if that doesn’t solve the problem, then winter wasn’t the culprit.
The Joists
There could also be something up with the joists underneath your floorboards. To get a closer look at the joists supporting your hardwood floors, you will have to go into the basement of your home. Alternatively, you could go into the room underneath the affected floors. Fixing loose joists can be simple because all you need is a kit that allows you to drill through the floor and reach the joists. You can tighten them, or use a brace to help reinforce the subfloor. Sometimes, a gap is the real cause of the problem. You might need to plug in holes in the floor with a tool known as a wooden shim.
The Subfloors
Both of those solutions can only go so far. If no difference has been made, then something is up with the subfloors. It’s possible that the subfloor has come loose or it is unexpectedly loose. When you need to determine if this is the problem, you will need a helper. Have you companion walk across the affected floor above while you observe from below (which means going into the basement again, probably). If the subfloor starts to move, then that is what is causing the squeaking noise coming from your hardwood floors. Closing gaps that you find should help fix the problem, though.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? You Can Trust John K Eareckson & Co.!
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.