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Firecracker type popping comes from my second floor when the heat is on. Also, when you step across the floor, it pops more.
This is the second heating season for this house.
The floor is framed with I-joists with a 3/4″ OSB grant board subfloor that has been glued, nailed, and screwed at approx. 6″ o.c.. The underside of the I-joists are covered with blueboard which is nailed or screwed. The blueboard has 1/8″ plaster skimcoat.
I have dampered down the heat to the offending rooms. This has lessened the problem, somewhat. It is too loud and frequent to ignore.
Any ideas? Will this eventually stop?
Any advice is appreciated!
Replies
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Hi Amy Buysee.
I am very sorry to hear of your situation.
I dont use OSB, so I cant help in that respect.
But I do suggest that you contact the manufacturer in this instance. The problems that you are experiencing may be problems that their associations and lab technicians have knowledge.
I would ask. Find for yourself just where you stand amongst the others with similar complaints.
For questions like yours, you may want to be aware of ASK JEEVES at http://www.aj.com.
I hope this helps.
*What is the finish flooring in the problem area(s)?
*amy, could it be ductwork (metal) that is expanding with the temp. rise? if there is metal duct up there, did they cut a hole through the osb of the i joist? if so, maybe the hole is binding on the duct. if so, i'm afraid you will have to open up the ceiling and make the hole bigger. if you can narrow down the location you may find just one offending joist. any way, your hvac contractor should be the one to solve the problem. best of luck to ya.
*Amy It sounds like the butt edges of the subfloor or possibly the underlayment popping. Can you pinpoint the noise or does it come from all over. Sounds like an interesting problem. Sorry it happened to you. I would really appreciate knowing more details so I can prevent it from happening to anyone else. Please include hvac type floor finnishes anything that might help. Hope we can help you.Rick Tuk
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there's always the possibility that it's a poltergeist. whoyougonnacall. . .
*Hi Matt! Carpet is the finish flooring in this room.
*RickThe HVAC is just standard metal ducts run in the joist space, not through the joists. The finish flooring is carpet. The house was noise free during the first heating season.
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Amy:
3/4" OSB grant board subfloor? Haven't used that one but the OSB T&G subfloor that I have used required ~1/8" spacing at the butt ends of the sheets.
Contact both the manufacturer of the subfloor for install instructions and the manufacturer of the I-joists for info. Some companies have the info right on the web, or go to/call the building supply that supplied the material. If the subfloor is glued, screwed and nailed, it sounds like the installer (framer) either was interested in doing a good job, or knew that the subflooring and/or joists material being used was prone to squeaks from inadequate attachment.
The reason I asked about the finished floor is that I was wondering if it was hardwood or some kind of laminate or had an underlayment between subfloor and finish floor covering - which probably is not the case with carpet.
Does it ever squeak/pop when walked on? If so you should be able to find the exact problem areas.
Once the problem area(s) is/are pinpointed, if the issue is inadequate attachment, they make a screw that is especially for the problem and can be screwed right through the rug to further attach the subfloor to the joists. Or if it is the unspaced OSB butt ends binding against one another, it wouldn't be that bad to peel back the carpet, use a circular saw to open up the tight joint(s) and reapply the carpet. If the carpet is pealed back and reapplied, you need some kind of rug stretcher (they rent them at rental houses) or a carpet professional may be needed to really get the run down tight again.
On the other hand, it could have something to do with flex in the I-joists.
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Thank you Matt! Actually, it does make noises when walked on. I will try re-attachment if I can pinpoint the location. Also, the subfloor is 3/4" T&G OSB. The grant board lablel is advertised as being resistant to swelling. I can't remember if the T&G was left with 1/8" of space.
As for the glue, nail, and screwing of the subfloor...My framing sub had a habit of only fastening the T&G end of the decking, or driving the nails too deep into the decking. So, I followed behind and screwed the sheets to the joists. (possibly too late!)
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Firecracker type popping comes from my second floor when the heat is on. Also, when you step across the floor, it pops more.
This is the second heating season for this house.
The floor is framed with I-joists with a 3/4" OSB grant board subfloor that has been glued, nailed, and screwed at approx. 6" o.c.. The underside of the I-joists are covered with blueboard which is nailed or screwed. The blueboard has 1/8" plaster skimcoat.
I have dampered down the heat to the offending rooms. This has lessened the problem, somewhat. It is too loud and frequent to ignore.
Any ideas? Will this eventually stop?
Any advice is appreciated!
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Amy have to agree with Matt. If you can pin point where the noise is coming from(I Know it's easier said then it sounds) try to reattach. Also i have had problems with metal ducts "banging" as they expaned and contracted, both running with the joist and thur the floor. Good luck in your search and let us know what happens