In this post we will answer the following most frequently asked questions:
1. Why is my floor squeaking? Where is this noise coming from?!
2. How do I stop my floors from creaking?
3. Do you sell a squeaky floor kit?
4. How do you silence squeaky stairs?
5. What types of squeaky flooring can you fix?
1. Why is my floor squeaking? Where is this noise coming from?!
This is a great place to start, mainly because it is a question that is not asked often enough. Fortunately floors do NOT have to squeak, and you don't need to memorize a map of your floor with flagged squeaky boards to avoid those creaks.
The principle of what causes the squeak is rather simple: one or many of the floor’s components loosened, and the rubbing of these components against one another cause the loud sound. Often the noise is of a metallic nature, because the metal screws or nails holding down the floor are the ones rubbing and vibrating. Of course, that simple problem has many layers.
There are usually two areas responsible for causing the noise: the connection from the joists to the sub-floor, and the attachment of the sub-floor to the floor boards. This is further complicated by the fact that there are many types of floors. Some floors are laid directly on the joists with no sub-floor, some floors are carpeted, and then there are tiles or 'floating' floors like laminate and engineered floors. Add to the that the complexity of staircases, and you have your hands filled with variables.
So, how do you fix your creaking floor? Well if you’ve been googling it, I recommend you first read our blog post on 8 DIY Tips and Why They Are Wrong.
In summary, the proper diagnosis is key; you need to have knowledge on each specific problem for your unique floor. If you attempt a solution to fix one issue, it may not work at all or even make the problem worse. Attempting to fix your floor without proper knowledge, a sound diagnosis, and permanent, non-damaging tools is temporary at best, disastrous at worst.
2. How do I stop my floors from creaking?
Squeak Knights has two stages to removing the squeaks from your creaking floorboards: the assessment (first visit) and the repair (secondary visits) where the fix is applied top-down, without floor removal, and without changing the original appearance of the surface.
The Assessment
After setting up a time that works for you and your family, a Squeak Knights expert will conduct an in-home visit to evaluate your floors. Among other things, the expert will diagnose the home’s environmental factors in relation to your type of floor and provide tips on reducing the likelihood of future squeaks forming. The expert will also determine the epicenters of all of your squeaks: whether it’s a typical issue between the joists and sub-floor, sub-floor and floor, or a more unusual situation like water damage, structural defects or poorly aligned floor components.
The key to successfully silencing your squeaky floor isn't only Squeak Knights' specialized adhesive, but the extensive experience we have accumulated through seeing and silencing hundreds of different floors, often creating custom strategies for many of them.
The assessment is the crucial planning stage which determines the success of your project!
The Repair
After the assessment, it's time for the repair!
Squeak Knights has a special process to repair your floor. Our greatest advantage is that our work is done directly through the surface of the floor, meaning that we do not need to rip up any hardwood, carpet or subfloors or have access from below, to do our work.
This is a huge advantage for home-owners who have finished basements or a ceiling blocking access to the floor from below.
We also don't move, lift or disturb any structural component of your floor. The reason? When you disturb a section of the floor you risk causing structural damage or creating new squeaks (what we call “moving the squeak”). We keep your floor structure intact and bond the existing components to one another.
A Squeak Knights repair is not a temporary solution. Our fixes are long lasting and will not only resolve squeaks in the current section but can help reinforce the floor around it. Unlike nails and screws which will eventually loosen and contribute to the squeak, our adhesive will create a strong and reliable bond.
Squeak Knights is first to invent and pioneer a comprehensive squeaky floor repair service. Our experience, knowledge and reputation will set your floors and your mind at ease!
3. Do you sell a squeaky floor kit?
No, and we are glad that we don't, because fixing a squeaky floor is much more complicated than what any kit can solve. We recently wrote a blog post on DIY Tips and Why They are Wrong, but the short of it is:
Squeaky floor repair kits don't provide the specialized knowledge necessary to properly use them. Although it might seem simple to apply a break-off screw to fasten down a squeaky floor, those break-off screws are just as likely to make the problem worse as you are to fix it.
How could you possibly make it worse? Fastening floors with screws and nails is a tricky process. If you fasten too tight, then you're likely to disrupt other segments of the floor and cause lifting further down the floor (what we call “move the squeak”). Even if you apply the screw perfectly, fasten it just right, that new screw will eventually become the genesis of new creaks. It can even occur in days or weeks, especially with 'break-off head screws' that are commonly found in the Squeak No More kits. It turns out that the head is an essential component to your fastening lasting. A screw without a head is compromised in its ability to hold your floor structure together.
4. How do you silence squeaky stairs?
The key to a squeaky star repair, like any other squeak fix, is to determine where that annoying sound is generated. We know that loose components in the staircase are causing the noise through their movement when you walk, but due to the complexity of stairs, our diagnosis has to be precise.
There are number of areas of concern in a squeak staircase; it's not always the riser and tread that are loose. Sometimes it’s the railings, spindles, walls, fasteners and attachment points that make the noise. They can all loosen or jam and cause noises and creaks.
Once the squeak origins have been determined, it’s time for our experienced crew to expertly solve one squeaky spot at a time.
5. What types of squeaky flooring can you fix?
There are a lot of different flooring types that our Squeak Knights team can silence. Our primary service focuses on hardwood, parquet, carpet, linoleum and stairs. We also work on some certain types of laminated floors, engineered hardwood and tiles. For these floor types, we encourage you to speak with our team in detail.
If you didn't see your floor type above – don't fret! We are constantly working on new solutions for different unique types of flooring. From the century old, custom-built homes to the newest trends in home construction, we can give advice. Give us a call to discuss your floors, you'll be surprised!