Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - SQUEAKY & CREAKY SUBFLOOR
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : SQUEAKY & CREAKY SUBFLOOR
tcp167
08-17-05, 02:58 PM
I am in the process of installing a floating laminated wood floor in my second floor hallway. I have removed the carpeting and padding to reveal an OSB subfloor.
The hallway had several squeaks and creaks and is one reason for installing the new floor. It appears that previous owners (the house was built in 1985), have also attempted to eliminate the squeaks and creaks. There are several different types of screw heads and even some concrete patches in some areas. I have installed almost a pound of 2" rough drywall screws in an attempt to eliminate or reduce some of the squeaks; to no avial. :wall:
The risers run perpendicular to the hallway and are about 2' apart. The squeaks seem to be coming for the OSB flexing between the risers, especially near the walls. No amount of screws seem to eliminate or reduce the noise.
Besides squeaking the subfloor is neither smooth or level. So here is my dilemma - what is the best way to prepare/repair the subfloor before installing the laminate floor? Do I install plywood over the top of the OSB flooring? If so, what should be the thickness of the plywood? What should I put between the two layers of wood? Will this eliminate the squeaking?
Or should I use a self-levling concrete mixture? Will this stiffen the subfloor at all or will it just crak when the subfloor flexes?
Should I even entertain the idea of removing the OSB subfloor and replacing it with a 3/4" plywood? What can of worms will this open up?
I have lots of questions and not a lot of experience. How do I keep this weekend project from requiring a second mortgage? :confused:
Any help would be appreciated.
The hallway had several squeaks and creaks and is one reason for installing the new floor. It appears that previous owners (the house was built in 1985), have also attempted to eliminate the squeaks and creaks. There are several different types of screw heads and even some concrete patches in some areas. I have installed almost a pound of 2" rough drywall screws in an attempt to eliminate or reduce some of the squeaks; to no avial. :wall:
The risers run perpendicular to the hallway and are about 2' apart. The squeaks seem to be coming for the OSB flexing between the risers, especially near the walls. No amount of screws seem to eliminate or reduce the noise.
Besides squeaking the subfloor is neither smooth or level. So here is my dilemma - what is the best way to prepare/repair the subfloor before installing the laminate floor? Do I install plywood over the top of the OSB flooring? If so, what should be the thickness of the plywood? What should I put between the two layers of wood? Will this eliminate the squeaking?
Or should I use a self-levling concrete mixture? Will this stiffen the subfloor at all or will it just crak when the subfloor flexes?
Should I even entertain the idea of removing the OSB subfloor and replacing it with a 3/4" plywood? What can of worms will this open up?
I have lots of questions and not a lot of experience. How do I keep this weekend project from requiring a second mortgage? :confused:
Any help would be appreciated.
Merlin
08-18-05, 07:48 AM
If you want to fix it then fix it; band-aids only last for so long. I removed a MDF/Plywood subfloor and relaid approx 800sq ft of plywood for about $400 in materials and three - four days worth of work. If you have access from undeneath the sub floor have somebody step up and down on the squeaking area and take a look at where the squeak is coming from. You may need to put some shims between the subfloor and joists then drive a screw through the layers to remove the squeak. If the squeak is between joists install cross bracing between the joists to support the area that is squeaking.
Here is a post (http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=188633) I made awhile ago when I was doing my project that contains some good links.
Here is a post (http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=188633) I made awhile ago when I was doing my project that contains some good links.
Marco1
08-18-05, 10:20 AM
A lot of squeeks are a result of poorly nailed braces between the jiosts. They are hard to find, but possibly, there are braces between the joists where the walls sit. A good stud finder might help if you have one. I usually drive screws every inch until I find them. If the screw hits air, pull it out.