Are you hearing squeaking noises coming from your laminate flooring? Whether you recently installed your new laminate floors or have had them for several years, there are a few different ways to fix this problem.
Suppose you’ve recently been experiencing the persistent sound of squeakiness coming from your laminate flooring. In that case, you don’t have to worry – there are easy solutions that can help eliminate this annoying noise! A squeaky laminate floor can be miserable for anyone trying to enjoy their home in peace and quiet. Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to tackle with a few simple and cost-effective methods.
Keep reading to learn how to fix squeaking laminate flooring without any costly or time-consuming renovations like tearing out the old floors.
What Can Make a Laminate Floor Squeaky?
There are a few potential causes for squeaking laminate floors. One of the most common reasons that laminate floors become noisy is from loose or uneven boards. Another common cause is movement in your subfloor, which can also be affected by moisture-related issues like rising dampness.
Additionally, if your laminate flooring is installed over an old wood subfloor, it’s possible that this flooring may have naturally bowed or warped. In some cases, squeaky floors can also result from inadequate fasteners or glue.
Regardless of the cause of your squeaky laminate floor, you can try a few easy solutions to eliminate the noise without having to replace the entire floor. Let’s take a look at how to fix squeaking laminate floors using these simple tips and methods.
What Will You Need?
To fix squeaking laminate flooring, you will need the following materials and tools.
- Hammer or mallet
- Wood shims or blocks
- Screws screwdriver
- Floor cleaner or mineral spirits
- Sawhorses or work table
- Caulk gun (optional)
With these tools, you’ll be able to easily identify the problem areas in your laminate floors and make the necessary adjustments to eliminate those annoying squeaks.
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix Squeaking Laminate Flooring
Step 1. Identify and Repair Loose Boards
One of the easiest ways to fix a squeaky laminate floor is simply by loosely fastening any loose boards in place. To do this, first, identify which boards are creaking by carefully walking over each section of your flooring. Pay close attention to any areas that sound particularly loud, as these are the most likely culprits for causing the noise.
Step 2. Trim and Insert Wood Shims
Once you have identified the creaky boards, use a hammer or mallet to carefully tap the edges of these boards until they are firmly in place. Sometimes, you may need to trim down any wood shims that are too long or bulky by using sawhorses or a work table. Be careful not to damage the surface of your flooring while doing this.
Step 3. Add Additional Screws
If your floor is still making noise after fastening the loose boards and using wood shims, try adding additional screws to ensure that everything is tightly secured in place. You can do this by drilling small holes at an angle into the loose board, then securing it with a screwdriver before filling it in with caulk. You can also use the screws to secure your flooring to any subfloors that may be loose or uneven.
Step 4. Clean Your Flooring
In some cases, your squeaky floor may simply be caused by dirt or debris that is resting between the gaps in your laminate boards. To fix this problem, use a wet mop to clean any dust and other particles from your flooring. Additionally, using a wood floor cleaner can help keep floors looking new and free of noise-causing debris.
Step 5. Check Your Subfloor for Moisture Issues
If you’ve recently noticed howling noises coming from your laminate flooring, there may be an issue with moisture in your subfloor. This can occur if there is rising dampness or incorrect humidity levels in the room where the flooring is installed. To resolve this issue, you may need to call in a professional flooring expert who can inspect the subfloor and address any moisture-related issues.
Step 6. Use Sawhorses or Work Table
When working on your laminate flooring, it’s important to ensure that you have a safe and sturdy work surface so that you don’t accidentally damage your floors while making repairs. For this purpose, using saw horses or a work table can help give you a solid platform to complete your fix squeaky laminate floors project. Ensure that the surface is level and free of any debris or objects that could potentially affect your flooring.
Step 7. Apply Caulk to Uneven Gaps
If there are any uneven gaps between boards on your laminate flooring, applying caulk can be an easy way to fill in these spaces. Just be sure to choose a caulking product that is specifically designed for use with laminate flooring, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying this material. Don’t forget to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, when working with caulk to prevent any skin irritation or inhalation of fumes.
Step 8. Add Padding or Cushioning
If your floors are creaking due to high traffic, adding protective padding or cushioning can help reduce howling noises while providing support for heavy items like furniture or appliances. There are many different types of protective materials available, so make sure you choose one that is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear without becoming damaged.
Step 9. Contact a Professional Flooring Expert
If you have tried all the simple fixes for your squeaky laminate floor but are still experiencing issues, it may be a good idea to consult a professional. A flooring expert can help you identify the root cause of your floor’s howling and can offer solutions that will help keep your laminate looking and sounding great for years to come. Moreover, they can offer expert recommendations and tips to help you get the most out of your laminate flooring.
Step 10. Be Gentle on Your Floor
The most important thing you can do to help prevent howling in your laminate floor is to be gentle when walking or moving around on this surface. This means not dragging heavy items, placing the furniture too close to the edges, or using high-heeled shoes on your laminate floors. Because laminate flooring is designed to be durable and long-lasting, there’s no need to worry about how your howling floors will affect the lifespan of your flooring.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your new laminate’s beautiful look and feel without having to deal with howling or other issues in the future.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Inspect the flooring to see if any loose or broken pieces can be fixed. If so, use a hammer and nails to secure them back into place.
- Apply a coat of floor leveler to even out any uneven areas in the flooring. Once the leveler has dried, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.
- Apply a coat of floor sealant to help protect the flooring from moisture and damage. Let the sealant dry completely before walking on it.
- Use a rubber mallet to tap the offending boards back into place gently. If this doesn’t work, you may need to remove the board and replace it with a new one.
- Wear protective gear, such as work gloves and safety goggles, as you repair the flooring to prevent any injuries or damage to your eyes.
With these tips and tricks, you should be able to successfully address any squeaking in your laminate flooring, keeping your home safe and looking great.
Can You Use Wd-40 on Laminate Floors?
There is debate over whether it is safe to use WD-40 on laminate floors. Some sources say that this product can cause damage to the surface of these floors, especially if it is left for an extended period of time.
However, others argue that WD-40 can be an effective way to repair howling or other issues with your laminate flooring when used in small amounts and properly wiped off after use.
Before using this product on your laminate floors, it is important to do some research and talk to a professional about the best course of action. If you decide to go ahead and try out WD-40 on your flooring, be sure to follow all manufacturer directions and use caution when applying the product. Additionally, limit how often you use WD-40 and ensure that there is no excess residue left after application.
Conclusion
Squeaking laminate flooring is annoying and can also be quite embarrassing when you have guests over. The good news is that there are a few easy ways to fix squeaky laminate floors so you can get rid of the noise. Use one or more of these methods the next time your laminate floors start to squeak, and you’ll be able to enjoy your peace and quiet once again.
With a little bit of elbow grease and some basic materials, you can fix squeaky laminate floors in no time. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have your floors looking and feeling like new again in no time.
Hopefully, the article on how to fix squeaking laminate flooring was helpful and informative. If you have any additional tips or tricks for tackling this issue, we’d love to hear about them in the comments! Good luck!