You can use certain products, such as talcum powder or baking soda, to lubricate floorboards, to prevent squeaking caused by movement. You can also use products such as cornstarch and French chalk.
Applying the powder is commonly done with a paintbrush, which is effective at working the powder into the cracks. If you can't find a paintbrush, simply use a broom and sweep the powder around in the are, working it into the cracks. You can also use something such as a cotton wool tip to push the powder down between the floorboard joints.
However, if the floorboard movement is caused by the sub-floor not being securely properly to the joist, you're treating a symptom rather than fixing the problem. Basically, if the nails have 'backed out' of the sub-floor, or the finished flooring due to flexing caused by heavy traffic, then you may be better off securing them back in position properly. It largely depends on the extent of the noise, the cost of repair and obviously your d.i.y skills.
Not a permanent solution
This will only work temporarily. However, if you're prepared to continually lubricate the boards, then this is going to be a perfectly fine option for you.
That's basically all there is to it. A very simple yet largely unknown 'quick fix' that eliminates a minor yet very annoying problem. Some people put up with creaky floors year after year with out knowing how simple it can be to silence them. If this does not work, then steps must be taken to stabilize the floor and properly secure the joist and sub-floor.
This post will show you how to stop floor squeaks through carpeted floors.
The 'Squeak No More Kit' is designed to be used from above, through carpeting, which means you aren't required to have access to the under-floor area. Unlike other floor creak kits, the Squeak No More uses screws, which screw down into the floor, securing it firmly to the joist.
The 3/16" coarse thread of the special screws included in the kit are designed to go through the carpet, rather than grabbing the nap of the carpeting. Driving a screw through carpet can be a little worrying for some, but you can always test out the screws by trialling them on a piece of carpet which is normally not exposed. Move a piece of furniture and do a trial run if it helps put your mind at ease.
Check it out on Amazon
What is a floor joist?
If you're new to the realm of floor repairs, floor joists are simply part of the supportive structure of a floor. A major cause of squeaking and creaking is the sub-floor not being properly secured to the joists. The sub-floor is the layer below the finished floor.
How do you know where the floor joists are located beneath your floor?
The kit includes special screws designed to be used to locate joists. (see instructions for use).
Fluctuations in Humidity
Swings in humidity levels can warp all kinds of timber, new and old. It may seem like poor workmanship, as humidity fluctuations which are significant enough to case warping are generally unnoticeable. Depending
on the time of year, you may see gaps forming between the boards or you
may see the boards swell to the point where they begin to cup.
Ventilation
Signs of inadequate ventilation include noticeable 'musty' smell in the
space underneath the floor, which may even at times spread into the
home. This can even result in mildew on the insides of walls.
Cupping
When moisture
absorbed from underneath results in swelling on the underside of the
board, which can result in the edges of the board lifting, and a concave
shape developing. This is called cupping and will be more noticeable in wide-plank floors.
Moisture from above
Reverse cupping (crowning) is also possible, with floorboards developing a convex shape. This
is due to moisture from above, such as flooding. This can also result
from situations where sanding has been previously carried out, but the
boards have then returned to their normal shape after correction of a
moisture issue.
Doming
Doming occurs when insufficient space has been provided for the timber to expand. This can result in the boards themselves lifting up in a convex form.
If you can identify the cause, there may need to be any further action taken, as when the cause is removed, the wood will quite likely return to normal.
What can you do about it?
Match
the humidity levels inside and outside your home where possible. This
can be as simple as using a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier
in the summer.
Give your wood a chance to correct itself
Temporary warping can often be corrected by simply allowing the wood to naturally return back to its usual shape.
Check moisture levels to identify potentially serious moisture issues
To check moisture levels, you can purchase a hygrometer,
which is also known a a 'moisture meter'. Steer clear of the cheaper
versions as their readings may be inaccurate. Never allow a 20 % difference
between your floor boards' humidity and the humidity within your home.
Tips
- Check for excessive moisture
- Never allow a 20% humidity difference between your floor boards' humidity and the humidity inside your home.
- Use a dehumidifier in the summer and a humidifier in the winter.
- Give floors a chance to correct themselves
It's not as difficult as you'd imagine
Fixing a creaking floor may sound like a difficult task. It may seem impossible, without ripping up and replacing old floorboards. However, there are kits you can get which make silencing your floors relatively quick and easy.
There's a few different types of 'kits' available.
The 'Squeak Ender Kit' pictured above is a popular option.
You're probably thinking "OK, how does it work?".
The main purpose of this kit is to pull the sub-floor securely to the joist.
The kit includes two main parts. Firstly, the hanger bolt, which is fastened to the under-side of the sub-floor against the joist which is supporting the squeaky floor.
The second part of the kit is a "j" bracket which is slipped over the hanger bolt and the joist. Finally, install the washer and nut, and tighten with a wrench until creaking noises are eliminated. (be careful not to over-tighten).
The Squeak Ender Kit is available on Amazon
What if you don't have access to the under-floor area?
There are other kits available which are designed for use through the floor from above. These can be used through carpeting, so you will not need to pull your carpet up. For more information read my blog post on how to fix squeaking floors through carpet.
Other reasons for squeaking floors?
Both swelling, and shrinking can cause your floors to creak. When the air in your home becomes dry, this dryness can cause your floor boards to contract. Conversely, if the humidity within your home becomes too high, your floorboards can swell as the moisture is absorbed.
Tips
If you're able to identify which floor boards are rubbing together, creaking can be minimized by applying some talcum powder, liquid wax or powdered soap in between the offending floor boards.
You can also attempt hammering nails into pilot holes between the boards, and cover the holes with a wax or putty of similar color.
