Squeaky floor


  #1  
Old 12-03-16, 02:26 PM
J
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 8
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Squeaky floor

Hey guys, looking at a house that was built in 1987 and the second floor squeaks really loudly pretty much everywhere, more than most houses this age. It's got carpet. What exactly causes squeaky floors, is there room for concern here? And is it possible to fix it so it doesn't squeak? Thanks!
 
  #2  
Old 12-03-16, 03:08 PM
XSleeper's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 26,675
Received 1,813 Upvotes on 1,630 Posts
Squeaky floors are usually caused by nails that either have missed the joist to the side or nails that have just worked their way loose for one reason or another. Overspanned, undersized or overstressed joists can lead to flexing which can pop nails loose. Subfloor should usually be glued as it is installed so it could be that was missed or skipped, adding to the movement. Crossbracing might also be lacking. The best way to fix squeaks is to pull the nails causing the squeeks and to glue and screw the subfloor down where possible.
 
  #3  
Old 12-03-16, 09:52 PM
S
Group Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: WI/MN
Posts: 19,034
Received 1,232 Upvotes on 1,180 Posts
It's a little tedious but my house was like this as well and with the ceiling finished below, I had to fix it from above. I used something like this: Squeeeeek No More Floor Repair Kit-19594 - The Home Depot
 
  #4  
Old 12-04-16, 04:01 AM
pugsl's Avatar
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 8,161
Received 77 Upvotes on 70 Posts
Same stuff I used but from Lowes. Terrible squeaks put kit in about 5 years ago and no problems since. Hardest part of job is finding trusses.
 
  #5  
Old 12-04-16, 05:07 AM
Marq1's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: USA MI
Posts: 9,747
Received 1,209 Upvotes on 1,098 Posts
You dont need that kit, all you need are some 2 1/2" drywall screws.

The issue is finding the joist so the screw hits. What I do is drill a 1/8 hole through the carpet and sub floor, then use a "J" shaped piece of coat hanger to locate the edge of the joist and then just put the screw through the carpet.

It can take a few minutes but a squeaky floor drives me crazy.
 
  #6  
Old 12-04-16, 05:38 AM
XSleeper's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 26,675
Received 1,813 Upvotes on 1,630 Posts
Drywall screws are for drywall. Deck screws are for subfloors.
 
  #7  
Old 12-04-16, 05:41 AM
M
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA - N.E.Tn
Posts: 45,422
Received 786 Upvotes on 689 Posts
While a drywall screw might work, they are brittle and there is a greater likelihood that over time they will snap off .... and then the squeak is apt to come back.
 
  #8  
Old 12-04-16, 12:32 PM
Marq1's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: USA MI
Posts: 9,747
Received 1,209 Upvotes on 1,098 Posts
deck screws, drywall screws, what every you have handy.

In the last 35 years I have never had to revisit a repair.

Again the BIG issue is finding that joist, there is not easy way, at least I've found a method to locate short of shooting random screws into the floor.
 
  #9  
Old 12-04-16, 12:48 PM
XSleeper's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 26,675
Received 1,813 Upvotes on 1,630 Posts
I'm not picking on you marq1 but anyone who has ever tried to run a drill or a screw through carpet knows that the carpet can quickly wind up on the drill bit or screw and create a "run" in the carpet... potentially damaging the carpet... so I would be remiss if I didn't warn some unsuspecting reader of the danger of drilling through or screwing through carpeting. Also speaking from experience.
 
  #10  
Old 12-05-16, 06:52 AM
S
Group Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: WI/MN
Posts: 19,034
Received 1,232 Upvotes on 1,180 Posts
If I have access to the subfloor, I'll drive deck screws. If there's carpet on top, I'm sticking with the Squeek No More screws and guide.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: