Damaged floorboards will always squeak
We have all experienced the frustration of noisy timber at some point. When I discuss damaged squeaky floorboards, I am referring to solid plank timber boards. These are often around 150mm to 200mm wide with a tongue and groove finish. This article will explain in detail why damaged squeaky floorboards will always continue to make noise.
What do we mean by ‘damaged’ floorboards?
Firstly, I need to expand on the word ‘damaged.’ This term can be somewhat misleading for homeowners. When I say damaged, I am essentially describing timber that is dry or cupping. Whether you class the boards as damaged in this state is subjective. However, for this article, we will assume they are damaged because they cause excessive noise. Consequently, this squeaking will not go away on its own.
The problem of ‘cupping’
A floorboard that is cupping has been exposed to drier air on the topside than the underside. You can liken this to a leaf on damp ground on a sunny day. While the underside stays wet, the topside dries in the sun. Therefore, the edges of the leaf curl upwards. This same cupping process happens to your floorboards.
Why does this damage happen?
There are multiple reasons why this occurs in a home. For example, the air above the floorboards may be much drier than below. Similarly, air flow blockages or leaks beneath the floor can cause moisture imbalances. However, the cause is not the most important point. The main issue is that cupped floorboards are extremely unlikely to return to a flat state. In fact, I have never seen this happen in all my years in the trade.
How voids create noise
Voids occur beneath each side of the board where the tongue and groove interlocks. When you walk across the floor, the edges have no support due to these gaps. Consequently, the board moves vertically and creates a seesaw effect. The tongue and groove then rub together and creak loudly.
Even if you sand down the raised edges, the voids will still remain. Filling these gaps is often time-consuming and rarely offers a long-term guarantee. If you have damaged squeaky floorboards with excessive cupping, it is often more economical to remove them. By replacing them with a modern substitute like plyboard, you can finally enjoy blissful silence.
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