Anyone who has installed hardwood flooring Northern Va
has heard this annoying squeaking sound that often develops in hardwood
floors. When you’re tiptoeing to the kitchen for a midnight snack, that
creaking sound is a dead giveaway. Unfortunately, there is no perfect,
permanent cure-all for hardwood creaks and squeaks. However, there are a
few effective treatments, plus a few helpful tips on preventing creaks
in the first place.
Most creaks and squeaks are caused by wood rubbing on wood – it’s a
simple mechanical problem of too much material stuck in too small of a
space. Many Hardwood flooring manufactures use a natural, organic material that expands and contracts as temperatures and humidity levels change.
If
individual planks don’t have enough room to expand, they’re forced to
fight for space with the neighboring planks. For this type of
“side-to-side” creaking, powdered graphite can often used to lubricate
the contact areas. Simply apply graphite powder generously over the
squeaky seam, place a rag or towel over the area, and work the squeak
over and over until the graphite powder penetrates and the sound becomes
silent. This method may take a few applications. When you’re finished,
clean up the excess graphite powder with a damp towel, and enjoy the
silence.
Another, more difficult squeak is one which develops between the
hardwood flooring plank and the wooden subfloor. It’s always a good idea
to use a quality underlayment material during the installation to help
reduce this issue. If an underlayment hasn’t been used, it may be
necessary to nail of screw the squeaky areas more securely to the
subfloor. If nailing, be sure to pre-drill the floor plank, but not the
subfloor. Apply pressure to the plank while nailing, for the most secure
fit. If using screws, pre-drilling planks is a MUST! This will help
prevent cracking. Always use screws with square drive heads – common
Phillips screws slip too easily. Be sure to lubricate the screw with a
little soap or wax, apply pressure to the plank, and drive until the
screw head sits just beneath the plank surface. Finish by applying wood
filler over the screw head.
In addition to using an underlayment during install, it is important
to leave at least ¼” between the wall and the first plank in each row.
This extra space allows the wood to expand without obstruction. The
small gap can easily be covered by a quarter round or decorative
molding. Remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions to a T, and
always consult with a licensed contractor before any DIY install.
3 comments:
love the blog! i also encountered this kind of problem before and i am really having a hard time in solving my problem because my floor is damage..this blog of yours is pretty much interesting and very informative
Hardwood flooring increases the value of a home because of its beauty and durability. Many flooring options, you can extend the life of hardwood flooring by refinishing the wood when it becomes dull and pitted.
Wood Flooring
Thanks for this wonderful information. Actually next month I am going to buy a new house and I want to install hardwood in my whole house but I had lot's of confusion regarding Maintenance and other things but really very thankful to you. For giving me such a nice info.
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