Comments on: How to Fix a Squeaky Hardwood Floor

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 19:48:31 +0000

In reply to Pravin Patel. Hi Pravin, Thank you for getting in touch! Unfortunately if your floor is cracking that usually means the subfloor is not completely flat and level. You can have a variance of about 1/4" over an eight foot span but if it is larger than that the floor will crack and squeak. Your only option would be to take the floor up and level the subfloor to ensure the floor stays stable. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: Pravin Patel

Pravin Patel — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 23:05:01 +0000

Hi,
I had local installer put engineering Wood on concrete floor . It’s click clock. Problem is entire floor is cracking ,I don’t see any loose plank anywhere. Can you tell me what could be reason and what can I do to stop it.

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 22:16:28 +0000

In reply to Dawn.

Hi Dawn,

Thank you for getting in touch! When a floor starts squeaking is it mostly due to an uneven subfloor beneath or the floor was not installed properly. To completely fix this the only solution would be to pull it up and re-install according to the manufacturers stated installation guidelines.

The proposed solution from the contractor may remedy the situation to an extent, but due to the fact there were some short comings during the installation (uneven subfloor, moisture, etc.) there is no way to be sure if the issue will not persist or any new problems arise because the integrity of the boards is now in question. Another thing to note is if you nail from below it will most likely void any warranty you have with the floor. I would highly suggest checking the warranty before nailing.

If you have any other questions you can give us a call at 1-877-631-2845.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 01:07:39 +0000

This comment/question is based on your response to Barb regarding squeaks and creaks in engineered wood floors. If I am understanding your response correctly, you are saying that these issues cannot be fixed by going into the craw space and screwing from the below the subfloor and into the engineered boards…and that the only option is to replace the floor. I would like to understand why you do not believe this is a feasible option. We had 3/4″ x 5″ engineered flooring installed on top of a full 1″ subfloor and within a week of moving back into the house began noticing squeaks, creaks, popping and in a few places the engineered boards actually deflect a bit when stepped on as well as making the noise. The noises have gotten worse and in more and more places over time…or maybe we are just noticing some of them as we establish new “traffic patterns”. This flooring has been in place for a little over 2 years now. We brought it to the contractor’s attention right away and have remained in contact with them. They are now suggesting having someone go under the house and basically add three rows of 1.5″ screws between each joist in basically an 8″ grid pattern….rather than replacing the whole floor…and that this is an industry accepted fix. While I’m not thrilled with the disruption replacing the flooring would cause, I have my own greater concerns about this alternative in both the short and longer term life of both the engineered wood flooring as well as the subfloor. I would be very interested to hear your reasons why this is not an acceptable course of action with engineered wood flooring. Also, we know there are areas where lack of flatness is an issue and based on my own research, I suspect there are some issues with the nailing schedule and perhaps with the psi used when fastening. This flooring was installed in early spring 2014, we moved in and noticed the issue in early May and by June we became aware of a moisture issue under the house (we live in SC). In July we had the crawl space encapsulated (which according to the Installation Instructions should have been in place prior to the flooring install, but it was not brought to our attention or we would have done it before installation of the floor) and a dehumidifier was also placed in the crawl space. The crawl space was dry in the winter when we began the renovation project. Any feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks!

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 21:54:02 +0000

In reply to Barb. Hi Barb, Thank you for your inquiry! Unfortunately you can only use these solutions on solid hardwood floors. If your engineered hardwood floor is squeaking that usually means there was an issue with the initial installation or the sub floor beneath is not level. At this point the only option would be to take up the floor and reinstall it or to get an entirely new floor. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: Barb

Barb — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 12:22:45 +0000

Are all these suggestions for solid wood floors? Can these fixes work for engineered floors? I have gaps, squeaks and bounce between boards and my floors are engineered floors. They are thicker so I’m assuming they are better quality engineered flooring.

By: Eunice Peterson

Eunice Peterson — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:29:55 +0000

After putting Pledge Lemon Clean on my dust mop and cleaning hard wood floors they
squeak something terrible. Doesn’t matter what shoes ones wears, they squeak absolutely
awful.

By: Gary Sandur

Gary Sandur — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:21:55 +0000

In reply to Kellie Walker. Hi Kellie, The squeaking boards usually indicate either the subfloor being uneven, or an installation issue. The rule of thumbs is that there can be a 1/4" variance over a 8ft length anything more than that you will get squeaking of the boards as you are. The other reason as I mentioned may have something to do with improper installation.

By: Kellie Walker

Kellie Walker — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:00:56 +0000

We had a friend install some laminate floors in our house approximately 3 years ago. They were looking dull and would squeak when you walk on them. I cleaned them with my laminate cleaner and then I put some quick dry wax on them. They are shiny now but the squeaking is still there. I am lost at what to do about this. Please help. The squeaking is unbearable.
Thank you,
Kellie

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