Hardwood floors are a gorgeous addition to any home when they’re installed and cared for properly. Unfortunately, although they’re very durable, not every hardwood floor is in good condition all the time. One of the first warning signs that something could be wrong with your hardwood floors is a squeaking sound when you walk. It could be just a couple of spots that squeak or an entire area of the floor, but either way, it should be addressed ASAP. Keep reading below to learn some of the reasons your floors could be making unusual squeaking noises.
Cold Weather
Weather changes are one of the better explanations for squeaky hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are made using materials that can contract when they’re exposed to cold temperatures. This causes small gaps between boards that squeak when you walk. If you never noticed squeaks before and begin to hear them one day, consider the temperature outside. An easy way to determine if this is the issue or not is to wait for warmer weather to come. If the squeaks go away, you’re in luck; the weather was likely the only issue!
Uneven Subfloor
The subfloor is the layer directly under your hardwood. If the subfloor is uneven, the hardwood will be uneven, and uneven hardwood quickly becomes squeaky hardwood. An uneven subfloor can happen for a variety of reasons, but it isn’t a project you should take on yourself. Contact a flooring contractor to examine your hardwood and subfloor to determine the next steps. In some cases, the subfloor can be repaired and made even once again. In other cases, the entire subfloor may need to be replaced.
Poor Installation
If the floors were already in the home when you moved in and you’re experiencing a lot of squeaks, there’s a chance they weren’t properly installed. Hardwood flooring is difficult to install without the proper tools and training. The best thing you can do in this situation is to hire a reputable hardwood contractor to redo the job the right way! If you’re lucky, they’ll be able to repair the shotty work from the last installation job instead of redoing it completely.
Unstable Joists
Joists are long pieces of wood that run beneath your subfloor to provide support for the floor. If the joists are unstable due to damage, poor installation, or pests, the floors above are prone to squeaking. This will require the floors the be taken up, the subfloor removed, and the affected joists replaced.
Contact Central Mass Hardwood
If you’re experiencing squeaky hardwood floors, contact Central Mass Hardwood today to help find out why! We can schedule a consultation to examine your existing floors, discuss the squeaks, and determine what the best course of action is. We have experience with hardwood repairs, replacement, and new hardwood installation so you can get back to a quiet, comfortable home!
