Noisy Floorboards

[h15c0r3r]

I wonder if someone can help me, it would be much appreciated.

When walking upstairs my floorboards are very noisy, I peeled back my carpet and added some screws close to the existing nails but it doesn't appear to have made any difference.

I'm not sure if this is relevant but the noise is at it's worse the first time I walk on them in the morning. It's also not a creaking noise and more of a crack or pop, almost like the floorboards clicking into position. Generally it won't then do it much for the remainder of the day.

Any help is appreciated, I can take up the carpet but do have hardwood skirting fitted and would be reluctant to remove those.

 

[JohnD]

Is the floor chipboard?

 

[h15c0r3r]

Is the floor chipboard?

Hi, I believe so, just a standard floorboard.

 

[JohnD]

If it's chipboard, my suggestion is rip it up and throw it in the skip.

About how old is it? Can you see many cracks and dips?

When you put screws in, how did you check for concealed pipes and cables?

 

[h15c0r3r]

It’s a 20 year old house and there’s no cracks or dips. It’s just a standard floorboard so whatever they’re made of?

The screws were placed close to the existing nails following the joists.

 

[JohnD]

Take some photos please

Chipboard is the cheapest material so commonly used in new homes. Sometimes the joints are glued.

If it's lasted 20 years you'vs had your money's worth.

 

[h15c0r3r]

Many thanks for your replies, it is much appreciated.

Would I be right in thinking that if I replaced the floorboards I would need to remove my skirting?

 

[Deleted member 174758]

If it's chipboard, my suggestion is rip it up and throw it in the skip.

Consistent to the last, eh John? John hates chipboard almost as much as he despises Bojo

Would I be right in thinking that if I replaced the floorboards I would need to remove my skirting?

Yes, absolutely.

 

[JohnD]

Not necessarily. See if you can slide a piece of cardboard under it. There is often a slight gap to prevent squeaking.

Sometimes there are nails obstructed by the skirting.

IMO varnished hardwood skirting looks good fixed with small countersunk brass screws, and can be removed without damage.

When you take it up you might find there are unsupported cuts, joints or edges. For best results, add struts (noggins) to support all edges.

I like to fix flooring with countersunk screws, but it is not as fast as firing in nails.

In your own houss you will appreciate the quality of the work long after you have forgotten the effort.

 

[h15c0r3r]

Many thanks, sounds like it is worth me taking up a couple of floorboards to see if anything is causing the noise underneath?

Thanks for all your comments.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

How old is the house/floor? This is relevant because the older the floor the less likely it is to be a T&G floor or even glued at both the joints and to the tops of the joists. You have stated that the floor was nailed down, which is another indicator of a rushed job - flooring manufacturers such as Egger always recommend that chipboard floors are screwed and glued.

 

[h15c0r3r]

How old is the house/floor? This is relevant because the older the floor the less likely it is to be a T&G floor or even glued at both the joints and to the tops of the joists. You have stated that the floor was nailed down, which is another indicator of a rushed job - flooring manufacturers such as Egger always recommend that chipboard floors are screwed and glued.

The house is approaching 20 years old.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Are the chipboard sheets full 8 x 4ft (2440 x 1220mm) sheets, or more like 8 x 2ft (2400 x 600mm)?

 

[h15c0r3r]

Hi @JobAndKnock I’m honestly not sure. I’d need to lift the carpet again to check which I can do later.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Whereabouts is the noise coming from in the room? I'm trying to figure out if it is the floor or where the walls meet the floor. Is it a creaking or squeaking sound or a cracking?