How to Repair Squeaky Floors
Squeaky floors can be an annoyance and usually are the result of loose nails or sub-floors rubbing against each other. Locating the cause can be tricky, but if you are able to get underneath the floor then you should be able to locate the squeak and repair it with ease. Fixing the squeak from above usually is a little more challenging but can be done quickly if you have a drill and some screws. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Locate the squeak in the floor by walking on top of the floor until you find it. If you have a basement or crawl space, have someone go underneath the floor to find the spot while you are walking. Measure the distance from walls if you are working alone.
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2
Hammer in any loose nails that you find.
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3
Fill in gaps between wood joists and sub-floor with shims. Slide shims on both side of the gap to produce a tight joint. Push the shims in lightly to prevent forming another gap. Push them in only far enough to fix the squeak, without making the gap wider.
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4
Apply a thick bead of construction adhesive along both sides of the gap using a caulk gun. Squeeze the lever with even pressure to apply a consistent line.
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5
Reinforce squeaky joints by screwing a 2-by-4 next to the poorly supported joist. Cut the wood two feet longer than the poorly supported area. Run a layer of construction adhesive on the sides of the wood that will touch the sub-floor and joist. Drill upward angled holes into the wood and then drive wood screws through the wood and into the joist.
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6
Screw nails into the sub-floor from above if you have carpet. Lift the carpet back from the area of the squeaky floor and drill down. This often tightens the joints and prevent squeaks.
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