Fixing Creaky Floorboards for Good
What causes creaks and how they are repaired
That creak in the hallway or on the landing is one of the most common things we are asked to fix. Period properties are most affected, but newer floors can squeak as well. The good news is that most squeaks can be fixed without replacing the floor.
Where the noise comes from
A squeak is the sound of two surfaces rubbing together. 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.
Boards rubbing against each other at the edges or tongues.
Boards lifted for pipes or cables and not refixed properly.
Joist problems such as weakened, notched or poorly supported timbers.
Seasonal swelling and shrinking of the timber.
Professional repairs
We start by locating the source of the noise. By walking the floor and checking each area, we pinpoint the loose boards, and if needed we lift a board to inspect the joists.
Securing the boards
Usually, loose boards are screwed down to the joists, giving a far stronger hold than old nails. Screw heads are sunk below the surface and filled for a tidy result. We take care to avoid pipes and cables, which often run under the boards.
Supporting the structure
Sometimes the joists need attention too. Common fixes include adding noggins, packing gaps or reinforcing joists weakened by old plumbing work. The floor feels firmer and quieter afterwards.
When a board cannot be saved
Some boards are beyond repair. We use reclaimed boards matched in width, thickness and age, so the new board blends in, especially once the floor is sanded and finished.
Can you fix squeaks 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. Adding nails often just repeats the original problem and can crack fragile period boards. The biggest risk with DIY fixes is hitting a pipe or cable hidden under the floor, which can cause serious damage and expensive repairs.
Professional repairs deal with the underlying movement instead of covering up the sound. Before fixing anything, we check for pipes and cables and choose fixings suited to the floor. The result is a quiet, solid floor that stays that way.
Realistic expectations
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.
Squeaks on stairs
Creaking stairs are common, often caused by treads working loose from their supports. Securing treads and adding glue blocks underneath usually solves the problem, and it fits well with a stair restoration.
Key points to remember
Every creak comes from a loose board moving and rubbing against a fixing, joist or neighbouring board.
Screws hold boards firmly to the joists and last much longer than the original nails.
If the joists move, adding noggins or packing and strengthening them makes the floor firm again.
Always check for hidden pipes and cables before fixing anything through the floor.
The best time to fix squeaks is just before sanding, so repairs blend into the new finish.
The ideal time to fix creaks
If you are planning to have your floor sanded, it is the perfect time to fix squeaks. 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.
Tired of creaks and squeaks? Our floorboard repair service is available across Esher as a standalone repair or alongside sanding. Take a look at our guide prices for an idea of costs.