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Squeaky Floor Repairs - How to Fix a Creaky Wood Floor
All wooden and wood laminate floors will begin to squeak and creak after a number of years, but the often overwhelming (and expensive) thought of completely replacing your floor is not the only option. You can instead fix creaky floors with our simple Fix-A-Floor extra strength bonding adhesive, allowing even apprentice-level home DIYers to fix a creaky floor with ease.
We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to ensure you can confidently repair your floor, from hollow floor tiles to fixing squeaky laminate floors. This is a cost-effective and easy solution for everyone. Push the idea of a complete floor replacement out of your mind and follow these easy steps to get your existing floor back to being squeak and creak free.
The Benefits of the Fix-A-Floor Bonding Adhesive
It’s important to have a versatile solution when fixing certain things around the home. One of the major advantages of the Fix-A-Floor adhesive is it can be used with a plethora of surface materials. Wooden floor repair, fixing squeaky laminate floors, hollow marble and stone, porcelain and even tiles with underfloor heating repair is all possible with the Fix-A-Floor adhesive.
The versatile nature of the adhesive means it is extremely accessible to most, as well as being a much more affordable choice rather than paying for someone to come to your home and perform repairs. Once set, the adhesive forms a strong, lasting bond that repairs your flooring for years to come. This enduring fix means you won't have to worry about frequent repeat repairs.
And best of all, it’s easy to use – just drill and fill!
Materials Required for Squeaky Floor Repair:
The right tools for the job make every home repair easier, and there are only a few key things you’ll need when looking to fix a creaky floor:
- Fix-A-Floor adhesive
- 10:1 ratio thrust caulking gun
- Drill and drill bits
- Vacuum/dustpan and brush
- Damp sponge/non-abrasive cloth
- Weighted objects (such as buckets filled with water)
- Matching grout
- Wood filler
- Syringe (for precise application to narrower grout lines)
- Chalk or tape
For a head start, our Fix-A-Floor Pro Repair Pack comes with a caulk gun and syringe applicator and three 300ml tubes of adhesive.
Step-By-Step Guide for Fixing Creaky Wooden Floors and Gaps in Floors:
We recommend our all-in-one Syringe Injector Kit to fix creaky floors, which allows for even the smallest of holes to be filled where necessary.
- Locate issue spots by gently tapping with your fingers or a wooden dowel.
- Mark the problem perimeter using chalk or tape.
- Inside the marked area, use a 2.5 mm drill bit (or smaller) to create holes on each end of the problematic floorboards. Larger areas may require additional holes.
- Vacuum over each hole to eliminate debris.
- Unscrew the tip from the Fix-A-Floor tube and drill a hole using a 2.5 mm bit.
- Reattach the tip and remove the lid from the end, adding on the 14-gauge syringe needle.
- Load the Fix-A-Floor adhesive into the 10:1 thrust ratio caulk gun. Start filling each hole. Overflowing adhesive from nearby holes indicates successful coverage.
- Once filled, wipe with a damp cloth/sponge and let it cure for 24 hours. Place weight on the area you have been working on with a bucket of water or something of a similar weight.
- Visit a DIY store for matching putty/filler/grout to cover the holes. For any excess dried residue, please use white spirits or our Fix-A-Floor adhesive remover.
- Your squeaky floor repair is complete – enjoy your squeak and creak-free home!
Common Reasons for Squeaky Floor Repairs
There are several reasons why your flooring may be squeaking, and laminate floors can be more prone to becoming squeaky or hollow. Squeaky floor repairs need to be carried out as soon as possible, as not only is the squeaking a rather irritating noise but loose flooring is a danger to walk on. Floor squeaks and hollow-sounding tiles are common household issues that can arise due to:
- Shrinkage: Wooden floorboards shrink over time creating small gaps in the flooring. Walking over these floor gaps can cause the boards to rub against each other producing a squeak.
- Loose Nails: Nails that have come loose from joists can result in floorboards moving up and down on the nail shaft. When pressure is applied, the flooring will begin to squeak.
- Improper Installation: Sometimes we must deal with the repercussions of improper installation. It is recommended that a 10mm expansion gap is left when installing laminate flooring – if this is inadequately done, when the laminate naturally expands, the boards will rub against each other, walls and door frames, causing squeaking.
- Subfloor Issues: A subfloor that isn’t glued correctly or lacks enough fasteners could separate from the joists or underlying supports, leading to squeaks.
Whatever the cause of the irritating noises, fix creaky floors with our simple-to-use adhesive.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Floor Health
Maintaining your floors is key to preventing the need for frequent squeaky floor repair. Here are some straightforward tips to keep your floors in top shape:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean your floors to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime that can contribute to floor damage. Use appropriate cleaners for your specific floor type.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Especially with wood and laminate flooring, too much moisture can lead to warping and the need to fix creaky floors. Clean up spills immediately and use a damp mop sparingly.
- Control Indoor Climate: Extreme temperature changes and humidity can cause floorboards to expand and contract, leading to squeaks. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier can help maintain a stable environment.
- Furniture Pads: Use furniture pads under legs to prevent scratches and dents on your flooring. This simple measure can significantly reduce the need to fix creaky floor issues caused by furniture movement.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your floors for signs of wear or damage. Catching and addressing small issues early can prevent larger problems and more extensive repairs.
Following these tips will help extend the life of your floors and reduce the frequency of repairs.
Easy Creaky and Squeaky Floor Repair with Fix-A-Floor Adhesive
With Fix-A-Floor adhesive, you’re equipped to resolve squeaky, creaky and hollow issues in your wooden floors, in addition to flooring made from other materials such as porcelain, marble, stone, and more. This guide provides a user-friendly approach to restoring your flooring’s integrity and offers the perfect solution for fixing your squeaky laminate floors.
Bid farewell to the costly and time-consuming replacements and embrace the satisfaction of simple, yet effective DIY floor repairs with Fix-A-Floor’s squeaky floor repair solutions. If you have any other questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll be only too happy to help. If you’re ready to buy, you can view all our products here.
General FAQs for Fixing Squeaky and Creaky Floors
Do you have more questions on how to use Fix-A-Floor for your squeaky floor repair? Here are some common queries answered to help you confidently fix creaky floors.
Can Fix-A-Floor adhesive be used on all types of flooring materials?
Yes, Fix-A-Floor adhesive is designed for versatility. It's perfect for a range of flooring types including tiles, marble, porcelain, stone and wood. Whether you're looking to fix creaky floors in a laminate hallway or a marble bathroom, our adhesive has you covered.
How long does it take for Fix-A-Floor adhesive to cure completely?
Typically, Fix-A-Floor adhesive takes 24 hours to cure. This can vary depending on the depth of the adhesive applied and the room's ambient temperature. For the best results, give it some time to cure fully before checking your squeaky floor repair – and don’t forget to put something heavy over the repair area to help the adhesive do its job.
Is Fix-A-Floor adhesive a long-lasting solution for squeaky floors?
Absolutely! Fix-A-Floor adhesive offers a long-lasting and durable solution to your floor issues. Once applied and cured, it creates a strong bond that helps prevent future squeaks and creaks, making it an ideal choice for long-term squeaky floor repair.
Can I use Fix-A-Floor adhesive if my floor has both squeaks and gaps?
Yes, you can. Fix-A-Floor adhesive is formulated to effectively fix creaky floors and fill gaps, ensuring your floor is stable, secure and free from annoying noises. It's a comprehensive solution for floors with multiple issues.
Is Fix-A-Floor adhesive suitable for DIY beginners?
Definitely. Fix-A-Floor is designed to be user-friendly and is suitable even for DIY beginners. With its easy application process, anyone can fix creaky floor issues without the need for professional help.