by FlooringFirst est. 2004
Squeaky floors can be annoying, disruptive, and a sign of movement beneath the surface. Our Fixing Squeaky Floors service in Barnet identifies the cause of your floor noise and applies professional solutions to eliminate squeaking, creaking, and floorboard movement quickly and effectively.
Squeaks are usually caused by movement. When timber rubs against itself, against fixings, or against the subfloor, noise is produced.
Common causes include:
Understanding the cause of the squeak is essential for applying the correct repair method.
Loose boards are a common source of noise. We lift or secure the affected boards with the correct fixings, ensuring they no longer move or rub against each other.
If the boards have separated from the joists, we re-secure them with screws or hidden fixings that hold the floor firmly without damaging the surface.
Older floors often have nails that loosen over time. We remove or reinforce these fixings, replacing them with modern screws that prevent movement and eliminate noise.
If the subfloor is unstable, uneven, or damaged, it can cause creaking. We access the subfloor where needed, level it, reinforce joists, or repair weakened sections to stop movement at the source.
Gaps can cause boards to move sideways or vibrate against each other. We fill these gaps with resin, dust mix, or wooden slivers to stabilise the floor.
Excess moisture can cause the boards to swell and then shrink, creating rubbing points. We identify moisture-related squeaks and correct the underlying issue, ensuring long-term stability.
Engineered flooring can squeak if the click system loosens or the subfloor is uneven. We secure planks, adjust the subfloor, or replace problem sections for a stable, quiet surface.
We inspect where the noise occurs, how it sounds, and what triggers it. Different squeak types can indicate specific problems such as joist movement, fixings failure, or board friction.
Using professional tools and experience, we identify the precise boards, joists, or subfloor areas responsible. Correct diagnosis ensures the right repair is applied.
We carry out the appropriate repair method based on the issue—tightening boards, adding new fixings, levelling the subfloor, filling gaps, or reinforcing joists. Every repair is done with precision to avoid damaging the flooring.
Once repairs are complete, we test the floor by walking across the treated area to ensure absolute silence. If any minor movement remains, we make additional adjustments until the floor is smooth and quiet.
Professional repairs ensure that the problem does not return.
We provide squeaky floor repairs across High Barnet, East Barnet, Finchley, Totteridge, Mill Hill, Hendon, Whetstone, and surrounding areas.
Say goodbye to annoying creaks and restore peace in your home.
Contact Barnet Floor Sanders today:
Professional diagnosis and repair to silence your floors for good.
What’s the best way to fix squeaky floorboards?
The most effective method is to secure loose boards to the joists using the right screws or nails. We also inspect for rubbing edges, warped timber, or joist movement, which may need shims or strengthening. Our repair approach depends on what’s causing the squeak.
Can I fix squeaks without lifting the floorboards?
In many cases, yes. We can access squeaky spots from below (if there's a basement or crawl space) or tighten and stabilise boards through the surface with minimal disruption. However, badly damaged areas may still need lifting.
Will screwing down floorboards stop them squeaking?
Often, yes. Replacing nails with proper flooring screws secures the boards more firmly to the joists and prevents movement that causes squeaks. But it's important to use the right size screws and avoid hitting pipes or cables below.
Can I use talcum powder to stop squeaky floors?
Talcum powder can temporarily lubricate joints between rubbing boards, but it’s not a long-term fix. It won’t work if the squeak is from movement between floorboards and joists.
Is there a way to fix squeaky engineered wood flooring?
Yes — but it depends on the installation method. Floating floors may need an underlay adjustment or refitting, while glued-down boards require a different approach. We carefully assess the cause before deciding the best solution.
Do I need to pull up the carpet to fix squeaky floorboards?
Not always. If we can locate the squeak, we may be able to make repairs through the carpet by lifting just a section or screwing through it with precision tools. Full carpet removal is only necessary for complex repairs.
How do I fix squeaky floors from below in a basement?
If you have access from below, we can shim the joists, apply adhesives, or add support screws directly into the subfloor. This is often the least disruptive method and ideal for period homes or ground-floor properties.