Why Do Hardwood Floors Creak? Causes and Solutions

Hardwood floors offer elegance, durability, and a timeless appeal. However, one common issue that many homeowners face is the creaking or squeaking of hardwood floors. Whether you’re in Norwalk, Tarrytown, Stamford, White Plains, or nearby areas, understanding why hardwood floors creak and how to fix them can help you maintain the beauty and comfort of your home. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of creaking floors and the best solutions to address them.

Why Do Hardwood Floors Creak?

Creaking sounds in hardwood floors usually indicate movement between the floorboards, subfloor, or joists. This movement creates friction, leading to the familiar squeaky or creaky noise. Here are the most common causes:

1. Seasonal Changes and Humidity Fluctuations

• Hardwood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. In the summer months, humidity levels rise, causing the wood to swell. In the winter, when indoor heating reduces humidity, the wood contracts. This cycle can lead to gaps and friction between floorboards, resulting in creaking sounds.
• In cities like Norwalk and Stamford, where seasonal humidity changes can be significant, this is a common issue for homeowners.

2. Loose Floorboards

• Over time, floorboards can loosen due to regular foot traffic, causing them to shift or rub against each other. This friction can create a creaking sound, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways or entryways.
• Loose floorboards can also result from improper installation, making it essential to hire experienced professionals for hardwood floor installations in areas like Tarrytown or White Plains.

3. Nails or Fasteners Coming Loose

• Nails or fasteners used to secure the hardwood to the subfloor can become loose over time, allowing the boards to move and creak.
• This can happen naturally as the wood expands and contracts, causing nails to pop out slightly, creating movement and noise.

4. Subfloor Issues

• The subfloor, which lies beneath the hardwood flooring, can contribute to creaking sounds if it’s not properly secured. If the subfloor isn’t tightly attached to the joists, it can move and rub against the hardwood above.
• In older homes around Norwalk or Stamford, subfloor issues are a common cause of creaking floors, as older construction materials may have settled over time.

5. Joist Movement

• The floor joists, which provide structural support beneath the subfloor, can also cause creaking. If the joists are not properly aligned or secured, they can shift and create noise as the hardwood flooring moves above them.
• Joist movement is more common in older homes, particularly in areas like Tarrytown or White Plains, where homes often have a longer history.

How to Fix Creaking Hardwood Floors

Now that we understand the causes, let’s explore some effective solutions to fix creaking hardwood floors.

1. Lubricate the Floorboards

• One of the quickest solutions for creaking floors is to lubricate the spaces between floorboards. You can use powdered graphite, talcum powder, or a dry lubricant. Simply sprinkle the lubricant along the seams of the floorboards and then work it into the gaps by walking over the area.
• This solution works best for minor creaks caused by floorboards rubbing against each other.

2. Tighten Loose Floorboards

• If you suspect that loose floorboards are causing the creaking, secure them with finishing nails. Drive the nails at a slight angle into the joists to reduce movement.
• Be sure to countersink the nails and fill the holes with wood filler to maintain the appearance of the floor.

3. Use Wood Shims

• If the creaking is coming from a gap between the subfloor and the joists, use wood shims to fill the space and stabilize the floor. Insert the shims gently to avoid lifting the floorboards.
• This solution is particularly useful in homes with older subfloors, as seen in many Tarrytown or White Plains residences.

4. Screw the Subfloor to the Joists

• If the subfloor is the source of the creaking, you may need to add screws to secure it to the joists. This can be done by locating the joists under the floor and driving screws through the subfloor.
• For extensive creaking across multiple areas, it’s best to have a professional flooring contractor assess the subfloor and secure it properly.

5. Apply Construction Adhesive

• For more persistent creaks, consider using construction adhesive to secure the loose floorboards or subfloor to the joists. You can apply the adhesive from the basement or crawl space, if accessible, to bond the subfloor to the joists.
• This method is especially effective in homes with accessible basements, such as those in Stamford or Norwalk.

6. Install Squeak-Ender Braces

• Squeak-Ender braces are specifically designed to eliminate creaking floors. They are installed under the subfloor and use a metal plate to hold the subfloor tightly against the joist, preventing movement and noise.
• These braces are a good long-term solution for homes with persistent creaking, making them popular in both new and older homes across the region.

7. Replace Problematic Boards

• If certain boards are causing consistent creaking, it may be best to replace them. Replacing individual boards can eliminate noise while also refreshing the look of your hardwood floor.
• This solution is ideal for localized creaking or damage, commonly found in high-traffic areas in Norwalk or Tarrytown homes.

Preventing Future Creaking

Once you’ve addressed the current creaking, you’ll want to prevent it from returning. Here are some tips to keep your hardwood floors creak-free:

• Maintain Proper Humidity: Use a humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier in summer to maintain consistent humidity levels, ideally between 30-50%.
• Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas: Placing rugs in areas like hallways or entryways can reduce wear and tear on the floorboards, preventing creaks from developing.
• Conduct Regular Inspections: Periodically check for loose boards, popped nails, or other signs of movement to catch issues before they become more significant.

Why Choose All Hardwoods & Carpet?

At All Hardwoods & Carpet, we have the expertise to diagnose and fix creaking hardwood floors. Whether you’re located in Norwalk, Tarrytown, Stamford, or White Plains, our team of professionals can help you maintain the beauty and integrity of your floors. From minor repairs to full refinishing, we offer customized solutions tailored to your home’s needs.

Get in Touch

If you’re dealing with creaking hardwood floors, contact us today for a free consultation!

• Norwalk Location: Call us at (203) 913-4209
• Tarrytown Location: Call us at (914) 415-5582
• Website: Visit hardwoodfloorsllc.com for more information or to schedule a service.

Address:
Norwalk Location: 123 Main St, Norwalk, CT
Tarrytown Location: 456 Broadway Ave, Tarrytown, NY