Dealing with a Squeaky Floor

A squeaky floor is a common issue in homes whether they are brand new or old. As a matter of fact, of the hundreds of home improvement problems posted by homeowners on the Internet, it is one of the top questions asked. So, what is the best solution for a floor that squeaks? Before we provide the answer, let us first take a look at the reason causing this problem.

Squeaks occur when loose floors move as you walk on them. This may seem like an easy and ordinary issue to solve but, sometimes, it is a sign of an underlying structural problem. But before you go about worrying about a serious repair, just relax. This is because a squeak seldom means you have a big structural issue to take care of. If you know that your home is solidly built, your problem may not be that serious. For, in most cases, the actual sound results from one or a combination of two sources - either loose floor boards that are rubbing together or the nails holding down the floor are moving in and out of their holes.

Now, as to how to fix the problem (in either scenario), the solution is rather simple - re-secure the floor to the joist or the beam where it is nailed to. If your floor is carpeted, obviously you need to deal with the carpet first. Remove it in the area where the squeaks are. However, if removing the carpet is too much of a hassle for you, use a stud finder instead to locate the joist. After locating the joist or the squeaky area, hold the floor in place using a hardened drywall screw. Unlike nails, screws never pull out so they are a better option. So, with these simple do-it-yourself tasks, you can take care of any problems you have with your squeaky floors.