More Boring Home Ownership Stuff: Squeak, Squeak, Squeak

Not only hardwood flooring has the potential for squeaks, all types can squeak. As floor framing dries and shrinks, nails become loose and squeaking occur, as movement in the subfloor and framing begin. Hardwood floors are the most common, especially in the winter, as it is dry.

​Don’t set any mouse traps…LOL.  For a quick fix, try sprinkling a little talcum powder between the hardwood boards. This may temporarily quiet the squeak as the talc lubricates the rubbing surfaces.

For a better more permanent fix, try Counter Snap Kit. This screw fastening system secures loose hardwood floorboards and stops squeaks. You drive the slotted screw through a special bracket into the hardwood and subfloor. (For dense woods, you will need to drill a small pilot hole.) Once the screw tightens the loose board, you break off the screw just below the finished wood surface.  You will be left with a very small hole which you can patch with wood putty or colored filler – or just ignore.

​As for carpeted floor, you best choice is to re-nail the sub-floor, when replacing the carpet.