How to Fix Wood Floor Squeaks
Squeaky wood floors are caused by rubbing. The wood strips may be rubbing against each other or sliding up and down against a nail. As wood shrinks, expands and flexes, the squeaks can get worse. To find the squeak and fix it may take some time, but most repairs are effective and long lasting. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shims of various thickness Wood glue Specialty hardware and repair kits
Instructions
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Silencing A Squeaky Floor With Graphite
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1
Lubricate your floor. If the squeak is minor and not accompanied by noticeable movement of the floor, powdered graphite may provide enough glide to eliminate the noise. Sprinkle the graphite powder into the joints of the flooring and cover with a rag.
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2
Activate the squeaky spot by walking on it. Repeat this process until the squeak subsides.
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3
Vacuum and clean excess graphite. You may need to repeat this procedure occasionally.
Fixing A Squeak From Below
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4
Go downstairs. If your squeak is in a floor above a basement or crawlspace, you can fix it from underneath. Locate the approximate area of the squeak. Have a helper walk around then tap on the exact location.
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5
Spread a thin layer of wood glue on your shim and insert it between the joist and the subfloor. Use the thinnest shim possible; you want to remove the "play" between the joist and the floor, not raise the floor.
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6
Purchase a specialty repair kit at home improvement centers. A threaded rod and mounting plate are installed against the floor boards then attached to the joist and secured. Installation is simple, safe and permanent.
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7
Glue and screw the joist the the flooring. This technique requires some ability to judge screw length and flooring thickness. Squeeze some construction adhesive (available at hardware stores) into the gap between the joist and the subfloor. Have your squeak-finding assistant (see step 1) stand on the squeaky spot. Drive a screw at a 45 degree angle through the joist, just into the subfloor. Do not allow the screw to travel all the way through the subfloor. If it does, back it out and use a shorter screw.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use liquid graphite made for locks. Use only powdered graphite, found in hardware and home improvement centers.
