Background:
I am a DIYer installing engineered flooring in my home and I am in a pickle. The flooring calls for 1 1/2″ staples and is going over a OSB subfloor (21/32″). Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a rental stapler (or purchase one) that isn’t the big 3/4″ staplers and the rental places said this would smash the tongue, so I rented the 1″ stapler and started laying boards.
After about 10 rows we walked on the floor and it has major squeaks in a few areas. I assume this is either the flex in the floor (I chose not to add any more subfloor to save the molding) and/or the staple length (18g). Then, to make matters worse, I had the bright idea of spreading a skim coat of self-leveling concrete since I had already repaired a couple of low spots. I now believe that self-leveling means that I level it myself as the floor is way less level now and I have also learned that the concrete provides no rigidity and actually crushes under stress.
So I did some backfilling with just glue (not to the floor) and this worked well (no squeaks, feels solid), with the exception of constantly having to level out the floor. However, glueing took quite a while and is a pain trying to get the boards tight while all around it are still wet.
I can continue with the nailer and live with some squeaks, try the big nailer and see if it rips the tongue and stops squeaks, or go with glue and take a month to finish… or rip it out and pay someone.
I am interested in any thoughts from the group… by the way, I am 25% through and the floor looks great.
Thanks,
Replies
I think you already know the answer. If the flooring company calls for 1.5" staples, then you use 1.5" staples. If you don't, is you have a problem, the company will disown everything and blame it on the install. Never ever give a suppier a reason to get out of a warentee!!
Harbor Freight sells a 1-1/2" stapler for $139
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=99640
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Are you using building paper between the subfloor and the flooring? That should eliminate some or all of the squeaking.
I wonder if he is using a 1" narrow crown stapler rather than a floor stapler."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
thanks for the feedback. I was using a Senco product http://www.senco.com/con_rem/ViewTool.aspx?toolid=43 that is a flooring stapler.
I am using 15lb tar paper but still have squeaks.
To top things off, I went down this whole path to eliminate squeaking and the cement has caused a huge squeak the major traffic area. I've sunk several screws and nothing seems to help... grrrr
I may try the harbor freight tool but it is much larger than the one I am currently using and is the one that the Lowes rental guys says will damage the tongue.
Is there a technique to floating that minimizes the movement? one row and wait?
Thanks!
Using a cementitios self levelling compound is going to cause major noise problems. The leveller will crack when it flexes, and many times when it is nailed through, because it is brittle. And then everytime you walk across it you get the grinding noise."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
How thick is this floor? That's the guide for length of nail or staple.
You dial down the air to adjust for tongue penetration. Bamboo you might take down to 70/75 lbs.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/