Fixing Creaky Floorboards for Good
From loose boards to tired joists
That creak in the hallway or on the landing is one of the most common things we are asked to fix. Squeaks are particularly common in older homes with original floorboards, but they can affect newer floors too. In most cases, a squeaky floor can be repaired without major work.
Where the noise comes from
Every squeak is caused by movement and friction. If a board is loose, it shifts when stepped on, rubbing against fixings, other boards or the joist.
Old nails that have worked loose.
Boards that have dried and shrunk away from the joists.
Friction between neighbouring boards.
Boards lifted for pipes or cables and not refixed properly.
Joist problems such as weakened, notched or poorly supported timbers.
Seasonal changes in humidity making boards expand and contract.
How squeaks are fixed
The first step is finding exactly where the movement is. We walk the floor, mark the squeaks and check the boards and fixings, sometimes lifting a board to look at the joists beneath.
Re-fixing loose boards
Usually, loose boards are screwed down to the joists, giving a far stronger hold than old nails. The screws are countersunk and can be filled, so the repair is neat and blends in once the floor is finished. We take care to avoid pipes and cables, which often run under the boards.
Supporting the structure
Sometimes the joists need attention too. This can involve fitting noggins between joists, packing gaps between joists and boards, or strengthening joists that were notched for old pipework. The floor feels firmer and quieter afterwards.
Replacing damaged boards
Split, rotten or badly damaged boards are best replaced. Replacement boards are matched to the originals in size and character for an invisible repair.
Should you try it yourself?
There are plenty of DIY tricks for creaky floors, from powder in the gaps to extra nails. Powder can quieten a squeak caused by boards rubbing together, but the effect rarely lasts. Extra nails can work loose again in the same way as the originals, and they can split old boards. The main danger is driving a fixing into a hidden water pipe, gas pipe or electric cable.
Professional repairs deal with the underlying movement instead of covering up the sound. We check for services under the floor before fixing, and we use the right screws and techniques for the type of floor. The result is a quiet, solid floor that stays that way.
Will all squeaks disappear?
Repairs eliminate most creaks in most floors. However, wooden floors are natural materials that move with changes in temperature and humidity. Older floors may still produce the odd creak as the seasons change, particularly when the heating is switched on. Any new squeaks are generally minor and straightforward to fix.
Creaking stairs
Stairs can creak too, usually where a tread has loosened from the riser or stringer beneath. Securing treads and adding glue blocks underneath usually solves the problem, and it fits well with a stair restoration.
The essentials at a glance
Every creak comes from a loose board moving and rubbing against a fixing, joist or neighbouring board.
Screwing loose boards to the joists gives a far stronger and longer-lasting hold than nails.
Joist problems may need noggins, packing or reinforcement to make the floor feel solid.
Always check for hidden pipes and cables before fixing anything through the floor.
Fixing creaks before a sand means every repair disappears under the fresh finish.
The ideal time to fix creaks
Planning a sand? That is the best moment to deal with creaks. All the repairs are done first, then the floor is sanded and finished so any filled screw holes disappear into the new surface. A secure floor also sands more evenly.
Bothered by a creaky floor? Our floorboard repair service is available across Enfield as a standalone repair or alongside sanding. You can also check our guide prices for an idea of costs.