Hello World! Welcome Friends! Hardwood floors are one of the most sought-after types of flooring for homeowners. Unfortunately, some of the charm disappears when they start squeaking every time you walk on them. Minor squeaks aren’t so bothersome, but when the floorboards start making music every time someone crosses the room, it’s time to put some work into them.
Luckily, there are a few different cost-effective and easy methods that you can try on your own to eliminate those bothersome squeaks. Here is how to eliminate those squeaks from your engineered hardwood flooring.
1. Use a Dry Lubricant
Squeaks are often caused by two boards rubbing against each other as one moves when weight is applied. The lubricant eases the friction between the two boards, which eliminates the sound. You must use a dry lubricant because moisture would damage the hardwood floors.
You can purchase many products that are advertised as dry lubricant, including powdered graphite or powdered sandstone. However, talcum powder can also be effective, and is something you might already have kicking around the house.
How To Do It
Sprinkle some of your chosen dry lubricant at the location of the squeak. Lay a towel, some paper towel, or any other type of protective layer over the area and walk back and forth over it several times. This will help to work the lubricant into the spaces between the floorboards. When you’re done, vacuum up any remaining powder. The squeak should be gone.
Benefits and Drawbacks
This method is cost effective, fast, and easy to do. However, sometimes it only lasts for a short amount of time before the squeak returns. It also does not address the root of the problem.
2. Install Shims Between the Floor and the Subfloor
Squeaky hardwood flooring can be caused by space between the flooring and the subflooring. This can be due to improper installation, or just wear-and-tear over the years causing separation. Installing shims between the floor and subfloor eliminates the space between the two, thus eliminating the squeak.
How To Do It
Access the subfloor and locate the area where the squeak is occurring. On your own, this can be done by measuring from an easily identifiable spot. Alternatively, have someone walk on the floor above while you are accessing the subfloor so you can be sure you’ve hit the right spot. Gently insert one or more shims between the subfloor and the joist. You can also coat the shims with a thin layer of wood glue so that they don’t shift over time.
Benefits and Drawbacks
This is another easy, quick, and cheap solution for ridding your hardwood floors of squeaks. However, the subfloor is not always accessible, which makes this a more difficult trick to try. As well, if done incorrectly it can actually cause more squeaks and the loosening of fasteners, which can ultimately cause more problems.
3. Secure the Floor From Below
This might be considered the only “true” solution to squeaky hardwood floors, as it takes into account the actual cause of the problem and works on fixing it correctly and for the long term. This method secures the subfloor to the floor, as well as secures the subfloor to the joist.
How To Do It
Locate the squeak from beneath, either by measuring or by having a helper walk on the floor while you locate the squeak. Use short screws to secure the subfloor to the floor on each side of the joist. You want to make sure the screws are long enough to go through the subfloor, but not long enough to go through the other side of the floor. Next, apply a layer of glue into the crack between the subfloor and the joist.
Use your finger to really push the glue into place. Next, apply glue to the long edge, and one side of a two-by-four. Push it firmly into place along that edge between the subfloor and joist. Then, screw it into place – this will help ensure it holds while the glue dries. Apply some more glue into any remaining spaces. Avoid walking on that spot for 24 to 48 hours to give the glue ample time to harden.
Benefits and Drawbacks
As one of the most long-lasting and proper techniques, this is definitely a great option. However, it does require more tools and supplies, and a bit more time. It also may not be possible if you cannot access your subfloor and joists.
4. Calling in the Pros
When in doubt, skip the DIYs and call in a professional. It will cost you some more cash up-front, but this could save you a lot of headaches in the future. Those who can professionally repair your flooring will make sure it is done correctly, and that the repairs will be long-lasting.
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