How to Reduce the Chances of Squeaky Floors
Many people have experienced squeaky floors in older homes. The noise can be frustrating, and everyone wants to enjoy a quiet, comfortable home. So, how can we reduce the likelihood of floors squeaking over time?
Our very experienced framing expert, Kyle L., shared two important recommendations:
Use plenty of high-quality subfloor adhesive. Do not try to save money by skimping on the glue. Apply a continuous, adequate bead according to the manufacturer’s instructions so the subfloor remains firmly bonded to the floor joists or floor trusses.
Use a robust nailing schedule. Where approved, closer nail spacing can provide a stronger connection than the minimum requirement. Ring-shank nails may also offer better holding power than common smooth-shank nails, making them less likely to loosen over time.
These measures may cost a little more during construction, but the additional investment is well worth it for a quieter floor that homeowners can enjoy for years.
As always, the fastening schedule must follow the structural plans. Any change in nail type, size, or spacing—including substituting ring-shank nails for common nails—should be reviewed and approved by the project’s structural engineer.
Framing Expert Kyle is working for our Eastgate project
