When it comes to flooring, especially in areas like the bathroom or kitchen, you often run into unexpected issues. Wooden floors are not suitable for these spaces due to moisture concerns. Even if you manage to install a tile or vinyl floor, you might end up with one or two mismatched pieces, or worse, a section that creaks every time you step on it. Today, we’ll explore how to fix those annoying sounds that appear after flooring is laid.
First, to understand the problem, you need to identify where the noise is coming from. If a spot makes a loud creak when you step on it once and then again, it’s likely due to an unstable connection between the wooden subfloor and the ground joists, or the joists themselves may be too soft to hold the subfloor securely. On the other hand, if the sound only happens occasionally, it could be because the floor nails are too small for the drill holes, or there's a gap between the tongue and groove of the floorboards. In some cases, poor-quality flooring can also contribute to this issue.
To prevent such problems during installation, here are some key tips:
- Before installing the subfloor, use a 12mm electric drill to create holes. The wooden joists should be at least 18-20mm in size. This ensures they are strong enough to hold up over time without shrinking too much after drying.
- Choose solid wood for the joists rather than softer materials. Solid wood has less shrinkage and is more stable, making it easier to keep the subfloor firm and level.
- If there's a height difference in the floor, the carpenter might use cork shims or plywood under the joists to level them. Make sure to leave at least 2.5cm of space between the joists, and connect them with short cross beams to prevent movement and ensure stability.
- When drilling holes for the floor nails, make sure the hole diameter is slightly smaller than the nail itself. This way, the nail will grip the floor properly and reduce any potential movement.
- Leave a gap of at least 1 cm around the walls to allow for natural expansion and contraction caused by humidity or temperature changes. This is a common practice that helps avoid warping or buckling.
Fixing squeaky floors isn’t always easy. While some methods can reduce the noise, they rarely eliminate it completely. The most effective solution is to re-tighten the subfloor and reinstall the floor, but this is both time-consuming and expensive. Most people prefer to avoid this hassle altogether. The best approach is to focus on proper installation techniques from the start. By paying attention to details like subfloor preparation, material quality, and proper fastening, you can significantly reduce the chances of future squeaks. A well-installed floor should remain quiet and durable for years to come.
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