These Squeaking Floor Issues Go Deep

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4 I 1017 Wfb On17 Troublesh Img 1131 Sm

4 I 1017 Wfb On17 Troublesh Img 1131 Sm

The Problem

We got a call that went like this: "We need your help with our floors! With my wife expecting soon, we cannot live another day with these loud squeaking floors!"

What Happened

The homeowners were one of three condo owners on this property, a newly constructed three-story low-rise in Queens, N.Y. The flooring that was squeaking was 3⁄4-by-31⁄4-inch solid red oak installed over a plywood subfloor and stained and coated on site. The client decided they wanted the existing floors removed and the subfloor re-secured to see if this would help relieve the squeaking.

The Inspection

After the demolition of the finished floor, we inspected the subfloor. We noticed we were dealing with a steel-framed structure versus the traditional wood beams we are accustomed to. We used self-tapping screws to reattach the existing plywood to the steel C-joists. The squeaking continued.

Our client then decided that to get to the root of the problem, we needed to remove the plywood subfloor and assess the steel framing. To our surprise, we found the C-joists had a lot of movement and were rocking back and forth inside the hangers they were set in. We reached out to the floor joist manufacturer, and its representative identified that the company's installation guidelines were not followed. He suggested adding more web stiffeners and steel bridging to help firm the structure together. Our client also called independent engineers to evaluate it and make suggestions, and they also agreed that adding the missing brackets should correct the problem.

How to Fix the Floor

We proceeded as advised. Installing those brackets, designed to be put in place during the original framing stage, was difficult. Maneuvering a drill and screws to attach the brackets in between every floor joist spaced out 16 inches o.c.—all while walking on exposed floor joists with only Sheetrock separating us from the neighbor below—took skills.

Now began the work that we wood flooring contractors are trained to do. We stepped up the self-tapping screw to a "beefier" gauge than originally used and applied adhesive to the joists when installing the new OSB. Our client also chose to add a sound-deadening membrane before installing the new engineered prefinished oak floors. The new parents are now excited to put their newborn down to sleep without fear of waking her as they walk on their floors.

In the Future

Moral of this story: Always follow the manufacturer's suggested guidelines. Manufacturers spend so much on research and development to create the tools and educate us contractors. And, as wood flooring contractors, we must be on the lookout for poor craftsmanship from builders like this one.

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