How do I fix a squeaky floor?

Find it, then fasten it

A squeak is two pieces of wood rubbing as you step. The subfloor has lifted a little from a joist, a nail has backed out, or two floorboards rub in the seam. The fix is to stop the rubbing: pull the layers tight, or fill the gap between them.

Start by finding the exact spot. Walk the floor slowly while someone listens from below, and mark each squeak with painter's tape. Squeaks often come in a line, because they follow a joist.

From below, if you can reach the ceiling

If the floor is above an unfinished basement or crawl space, this is the best method because you can see the problem. Have a helper step on the marked spot while you watch from underneath. A gap between the subfloor and the top of a joist, or a nail head that moves, is the culprit.

For a small gap, dab wood glue on a thin shim, tap it gently into the gap beside the joist and stop when it is snug. Do not drive it hard enough to lift the floor, which only makes a new squeak. Where there is no gap to fill, drive a short screw up through the joist into the subfloor while your helper stands on the spot. Choose a length that stays well short of the finished floor surface, or it will poke through.

From above, when you cannot get below

With a finished ceiling underneath, fasten from the top. Find the joist with a stud finder and mark its line. Drive a trim-head screw, or a squeak-repair screw made for the purpose, through the floor into the joist. Countersink it slightly, then fill the hole with wood filler or matching putty. Under carpet, squeak-repair screws are driven through the pad and leave little to see.

If two boards in the seam are rubbing, work powdered graphite or talc into the joint and wipe off the excess.

Is a permit needed?

For squeak repair, almost certainly not. Virginia's building code lists "Installation or replacement of floor finishes in all occupancies." among the ordinary repairs that need no permit application.^[1] Work that touches framing is another matter: the same code requires a permit for alterations involving "any structural component".^[1] If your fix grows beyond fasteners and shims, ask your local building department before you start.

Stop and call a pro if

• A joist is cracked, split or sagging. Do not cut, notch or sister framing yourself. Repairs to floor joists are outside what a flooring contractor does: Virginia's definition of flooring contracting says "This does not include the installation, repair, or removal of floor joists or other structural components of the flooring system."^[3] Look for a framing or general contractor.
• The floor feels soft or springy, or dips. That points to rot or a failing support, not a squeak.
• The wood is damp, dark or smells musty. The EPA says "The key to mold control is moisture control."^[2] It also advises: "It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth."^[2] Fix the water source first.
• You would have to cut into a finished ceiling or remove flooring just to reach the problem.

Keep it quiet

Squeaks return where moisture swings are large, so keep an eye on the area around tubs, sinks and exterior doors. If the squeak is only one symptom of a floor that needs real work, what subfloor repair costs in Virginia and who repairs a subfloor will help you plan.

Getting help in Virginia

Loclis lists licensed Virginia contractors with their licence class. Browse flooring pros near you, or read more flooring answers.

When you are ready, describe the floor problem once and local pros quote it.