Greetings All
I have 1/2″ x 2″ hardwood oak planks nailed over a perpendicular subfloor of T&G 3/4″ x 3″ planks. When I had the floor refinished the workmen checked it out and said that the squeak was not the result of loose oak planks but movement in the subfloor. Luckily, I have access to the subfloor. If this is true, I need to stabilize the squeaky areas of the subfloor from underneath (without going through the finished floor). Though I have broad amateur experience in construction I have no experience with this problem. I’m open to ideas. Thanks.
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What do you have for floor joists? How tall are they, and how far do the span between supports?
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
BTW, the joist are rough cut 2x10 (2 x 9 1/4 to be exact),16"oc.
You can "toe screw" from below at an angle through the joist and into the subfloor. Have someone up above walk and find the location of the squeek. Standing there, on a board of sufficient thickness that you won't screw up and screw their feet, and toe screw from below. I found 1-5/8 / 2 " screws to be the most appropriate. Use a deck screw so you don't snap off a drywall screw. Please, PLEASE be careful, predrill the joist-not the subfloor and choose the right length screw.
There are other ways, glue and screw cleats to the joist (screw to the joist/glue to the subfloor) for example. Others here will advise a couple more. Best of luck.
Have heard that if you dump some talc around a squeaking board (your oak in this case) and sweep it in between the boards, it will quiet it. Won't work for the subfloor, only the finished flooring.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Calvin, thanks for the response. I have two ideas elaborating on your reply. 1) using a drill jig and pocket screws on the joist into the subfloor (thus reducing the uncertainty of drilling at an angle. 2) strap lengths of 3/4 ply, maybe 4" wide parallel to the joist, half way between the joist. These could be glued and screwed with 1 1/4" truss head screws. I've never done it, but does this sound kosher?
Could be kosher cenzo, never tried that.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Someone makes little bracket things for exactly this purpose. They fasten over the bottom of the joist where there is turn screw adjuster, then a flange is screwed to the bottom of the subfloor. The turn screw can be turned to draw the floor down. I've never used them myself, so this isn't an endorsement. I've seen the ad in either FHB or Old House Journal. If you don't find them on-line, e-mail me and I'll look them up.