Fixing Creaky Floorboards for Good
Getting to the root of the noise
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. The good news is that most squeaks can be fixed without replacing the floor.
Where the noise comes from
Every squeak is caused by movement and friction. When a board is not held tightly, it moves slightly under your weight and rubs against a nail, a neighbouring board or the joist beneath it.
Old nails that have worked loose.
Timber shrinkage, leaving small gaps between the boards and the joists.
Friction between neighbouring boards.
Boards lifted for pipes or cables and not refixed properly.
Movement in the joists themselves, from age, notching or missing support.
Seasonal changes in humidity making boards expand and contract.
Professional repairs
We start by locating the source of the noise. We walk the floor, mark the squeaks and check the boards and fixings, sometimes lifting a board to look at the joists beneath.
Securing the 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 always check for pipes and cables before fixing.
When the issue is underneath
Sometimes the joists need attention too. Common fixes include adding noggins, packing gaps or reinforcing joists weakened by old plumbing work. These repairs make the whole floor feel more solid underfoot.
Replacing damaged boards
Split, rotten or badly damaged boards are best replaced. We use reclaimed boards matched in width, thickness and age, so the new board blends in, especially once the floor is sanded and finished.
Should you try it yourself?
Some people try to fix squeaks with talcum powder, extra nails or squeak-fixing kits. 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. Very old floors may develop the occasional new creak over time, especially when the heating first comes on in autumn. Any new squeaks are generally minor and straightforward to fix.
Squeaks on stairs
Stairs can creak too, usually where a tread has loosened from the riser or stringer beneath. These can often be fixed by securing the treads and adding support blocks from underneath, ideally when the stairs are being restored.
Key points to remember
Squeaks are caused by movement: boards rubbing against nails, joists or each other.
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.
Hidden water pipes, gas pipes and cables must always be located before any fixing is made.
Fixing creaks before a sand means every repair disappears under the fresh finish.
Combining repairs and restoration
If you are planning to have your floor sanded, it is the perfect time to fix squeaks. Repairs are completed before sanding, so everything blends into the fresh finish. It also means the floor is sound and secure, which gives a better sanding result.
Bothered by a creaky floor? Our floorboard repair service fixes squeaks across Bromley, whether on their own or as part of a full restoration. Take a look at our guide prices for an idea of costs.