Squeaks and creaks often plague old houses with wooden floors. Such noises are not only annoying, they are also signs that the wooden panels are weakening. Either the panels have incurred significant damage or they are loosely connected to the surface beneath. You should address this problem as soon as possible, otherwise you may end up replacing the entire level, which will make dents on your budget.

Causes of Squeaky Floors

Wooden floors, subjected to carrying the weight of people and to sudden temperature changes, can get worn out over time. Much wear and tear reduce the stability of the floorboards, which eventually develop squeaking sounds. Various solutions are available for the floor panels, depending on the squeaks' causes. Here are some of them.

• Loose Nails - Boards that are loosely connected will squeak when carrying heavy weights. The panels will move above the joists, causing the squeaking noise. You must reconnect the floor boards with the long sturdy nails to keep them from swiveling. You can also reapply varnish occasionally. Its sticky base can strengthen the nails' grip.
• The Shrinkage of Floor Joists - Floor Joists tend to shrink from friction, with the boards, and the constant change in atmospheric pressure and temperature. The problem sounds complex, but in truth, it is pretty easy to address. Just stick wood fillers or any soft yet sturdy material in between the gaps of the boards and joists. The fillers will hold the boards steady, eliminating the creaking noises.
• The Panels Rubbing Against Each Other - The wooden panels, either wrongly connected or moved by weight and friction, create noises when they rub against one another. Some carpentry is required to solve this concern, but it shouldn't be too hard, especially if you have a good set of panels and a complete toolbox.
• Warped Boards - Floor boards warp if doused with liquids or thorough constant changes in temperature. With their shriveled state, the only remedy is to replace them. You should also check the joists. If they are withered, you must replace them as well. Leaving warped boards and joists can be dangerous. They can give way at any time, particularly if they carry heavy weights at all times.

If you are not adept at carpentry, enlisting the help of professionals is advised. Remember, a misaligned connection can produce noise at any time. Much precision is required for you to get rid of squeaky floors.

Install Blocking or Bracing on the Joists

The joists, carrying the weights of the board and all the house's occupants, may eventually weaken, causing the boards to loosen or rub against one another. To ease some of the pressure from the wooden beams, you can install blocking or bracing, which provides additional reinforcement. It should strengthen the foundation of the joists and extend its useful life.

Reattach and Add Screws

Loose nails need to be removed or reinforced, so the connection between the panels and the joists can be improved. You can attach more nails or add screws, which hold the panels steady. If that does not work, you may have to remove the panels and realign them. Replace them if you can't remove the loose nails.

Apply a Lubricant

For panels that rub against one another, you can minimize the friction by applying a lubricant. Slide some baby powder in between the colliding panels, making their edges smooth. It eliminates the noise in the process. If baby powder fails to stop the squeaks, apply graphite powder. Walk on the seams several times, so the graphite can reach the bottom portions of the panels.

Reapply Varnish Occasionally

Varnish is a thick solution that provides a protective coating to wooden boards upon application. Naturally, it thickens the panels, keeping them tightly packed. Apply several coats to your floor, which makes the entire floor seem like a single unit. If the noises persist, consider removing reattaching or replacing the squeaky panels.

Replace the Squeaky Boards

If the other solutions fail, your only recourse is to replace the squeaky boards. Purchase sturdy boards from a lumber shop and modify them according to the dimensions of your floor. Once altered, remove the noisy panels using your carpentry tools. Attach the new boards with long finishing nails or screws. Apply wood fillers, if necessary. Once the new panels are attached, coat them with varnish to enhance the connection and their durability.

Replace Badly Damaged Joists

Withered or damaged joists should be replaced immediately. A simple breakage totally weakens the boards' foundation. Consistently carrying the weight of full - grown humans may make the floor give way at any given moment. Unfortunately, replacing a damaged joist is quite tedious, since you need to pry it off of all the connected boards. The replacement, on the other hand, needs to be affixed to all the boards in its path. If more than one joist is up for replacement, you may end up taking down your entire floor. Hiring professionals can make the job much easier.

A Squeak-Free Home

A squeaking floor is not pleasant and in some cases, not safe. Good thing you have more than a few options to apply. After applying all the appropriate measures, your home will be squeak-free, except for maybe a few household pests.