Hardwood floors are a wonderful addition to any home, enhancing beauty and comfort with timeless appeal. However, a common problem with hardwood is the risk of squeaky floors, an annoying fact of life for many homeowners. To fix a squeaking hardwood floor, it’s first necessary to identify the cause, so have a look at the list below to learn more.

How to Identify What’s Causing Squeaky Floors

1. Seasonal Changes

During cold weather, the low temperatures and dry air can cause even hardwood planks to contract and draw together. When this happens, planks can rub against each other, the nails securing them, or the subflooring, resulting in irritating squeaky floors. When warmer weather returns, the rise in humidity will allow your floorboards to return to their original size, although they may have been loosened by the contraction.

Conversely, warmer weather can force your floorboards to expand due to excess moisture from humidity, causing a similar problem with friction. You can alleviate these issues by humidifying your home in the winter and dehumidifying in the summer, and check for loose boards after the seasons change.

2. Problems with Floor Joists

If you notice squeaky floors year-round or in particular areas in your home, the trouble may be with the floor joists. These are the horizontal beams that support your floor, and squeaking related to these is typically caused by loose joists. If possible, try to do a visual check of the underside of a squeaky spot from your basement or crawlspace. If there’s a gap between a joist and the subflooring, simply slip a wooden shim into it to solve the problem.

3. Damaged or Poorly Installed Subflooring

Subflooring consists of oriented strand board (OSB), laid evenly across the joists to provide a firm foundation for hardwood planks. Due to a variety of reasons, including poor installation, water damage, cracked joists, and, most commonly, old age, subflooring can be thrown out of level. This creates voids, or areas under which there is no support for the subflooring, allowing it to bow and rub against other flooring components. If your joists are in otherwise good condition, you can avoid more complicated repairs by drilling up to the subflooring to secure the two components together, thereby eliminating any squeaking. 

If you’re struggling with squeaky floors at home, contact Cross Carpet Repair & More in Lexington, KY, for help resolving the issue. For over 30 years, these flooring specialists have provided area residents with repairs for flooring, carpets, water damage, showers, and more. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 225-3863, or visit them online for more information.