Understanding Floor Creaking and Noise Issues During Walking

Noise from floors such as creaking, squeaking, or hollow sounds is one of the most common concerns homeowners experience, especially in multi-story homes. These noises usually come from movement between the subfloor and the framing, and understanding the root cause is essential before installing new floors.

Hard surfaces like hardwood, vinyl plank, or laminate naturally make footfalls more noticeable compared to carpet. However, the primary cause of unwanted creaks almost always comes from the subfloor, not the new flooring material itself.

When the subfloor loosens over time or was not secured correctly during the original construction, it can shift slightly when walked on. This movement leads to:

• wood rubbing against wood

• nails moving up and down

• subfloor panels flexing over joists

All of these issues create the familiar creaking or popping sounds that homeowners find frustrating.

What Causes the Creaking Sound

1. Loose subfloor panels

This is the most common source of floor noise. Subfloor sheets can lift or separate from the joists, especially when they were originally fastened with nails. Any movement between the layers produces noise.

2. Wood movement

Seasonal temperature changes cause wood to expand and contract. This creates small gaps that increase movement and noise.

3. Foot traffic over unsupported areas

If a portion of the subfloor is slightly bowed or not fully supported, stepping on it causes flexing and sound.

4. Hard-surface flooring amplifies sound

Even when the subfloor is solid, hard flooring types naturally transmit more noise compared to soft materials.

What Happens After Floor Demolition and How Noise Is Fixed

Once the old flooring is removed, this is the ideal moment to fix noise issues before the new floors are installed. After the new flooring is down, there is no longer access to the subfloor, so this step is extremely important.

1. Subfloor inspection

After demolition, the subfloor is checked for loose sections, lifted areas, movement, surface imperfections, and any signs of weakness. This helps identify the exact locations where noise originates.

2. Re-screwing the entire subfloor

This is the key step that eliminates most squeaks. The subfloor is tightened with new screws throughout the entire area. Loose or lifted panels are secured firmly to the joists, and any sections that move are reinforced. Screws hold the subfloor much better than nails and significantly reduce or eliminate noise.

3. Cleaning and surface preparation

The subfloor is cleaned of dust, debris, old adhesive, and leftover fasteners. A clean and level surface ensures better installation of the new floors and helps prevent future noise issues.

4. Adding underlayment if required

Depending on the type of new flooring, an underlayment may be added to improve comfort and reduce sound transmission. The specific type varies based on the flooring material selected.

Essential Preparations Before New Floor Installation

To ensure a durable, quiet, and long lasting flooring system, several steps should be completed before installation begins.

• Choose flooring material based on your preferences for noise control. Carpet and cork absorb more sound, while hardwood and vinyl transmit more.
• Understand the installation method. Floating, glue-down, and nail-down systems all behave differently in terms of sound.
• Make sure the subfloor is fully secured before installing the new floors. This is the most important factor in preventing creaks.

Proper preparation leads to better results and a quieter home.

Questions to Ask Your Flooring Contractor

Homeowners can improve communication and avoid future issues by asking the right questions during the planning phase.

1. Will you re-screw the entire subfloor after demolition

This is the most important question because it directly prevents future noise.

2. How will you identify existing noise sources

Contractors should evaluate the subfloor after demolition rather than after new flooring is installed.

3. What underlayment do you recommend for noise reduction

Professionals should be able to explain how different underlayment options affect sound.

4. What experience do you have with fixing squeaky floors

Noise reduction requires correct subfloor preparation, not just laying new flooring.

Conclusion

Floor noise is usually caused by the subfloor, not the new flooring material. By inspecting the subfloor, re-screwing it completely, reinforcing any weak areas, cleaning the surface, and using the correct underlayment, homeowners can greatly reduce or eliminate creaking and enjoy a quieter and more comfortable home.