Creaky hardwood floors

[red sky]

I moved into a brand new infill almost two years ago now and we are having issues with one area of our main floor where the hardwood floors creak really badly and seem to move very slightly when stepped on. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions to help with this. I have read that talcum powder does help with the problem as well as screwing into the subfloor from below which I can do. Is there a specific type of screw that would be best for this? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[topfiverecords]

Too much deflection flex in your floor joists/subfloor. Adding in additional blocking between the floor joists would also help.

[speede5]

Is it just the flooring moving or is it the subfloor as well. If it is just the hardwood, it probably wasn't stapled down tight enough and screws from the underside will fix that. If the whole of the floor is moving, try crossblocking, glue the blocks up to the floor and screw them to the joists. Was your sufloor glued to the joists? if it's creaking at the joists theres not a lot you can do.

As for the screws, wood screws, but try not to go more than 1/2" through the hardwood. Predrill to prevent spliting.

One thing to remember is hardwood shrinks and swells with the seasons and it is really hard not to have some squeking over the years. Make sure you are not mistaking character as a defect. Sounds like you aren't, just sayin'.

[BEANZ]

What is the moisture level of the wood and the relative humidity in your house? It sounds to me that it is very likely an issue with the lack of moisture.

Check to make sure your humidifyer is working, or that you even have one.

DO NOT screw the floor down from underneith. Hardwood is a material that needs to have the ability to move slightly depending on moisture, temperature etc. Screwing the floor will likely stop the crackling sounds but increases the likelyhood of cracked boards as well as squeeks.

[red sky]

Thanks for the tips. I am not sure how the floor was installed but I know my humidity is relatively low in the house. The creaking sound happens in both winter and summer and only in a certain spot. Before I start screwing anything in I will try the talcum powder method first I think.

[csnarpy]

my buddy had that problem and he used baby powder. Hasn't had an issue in over 3 years now.

[red sky]

Originally Posted by csnarpy

my buddy had that problem and he used baby powder. Hasn't had an issue in over 3 years now.

Yeah, I will give it a go I think.

Isn't Talcum powder the same as baby powder?

[Deviaant]

If the floor is squeaking only in one spot id leave it till winter and the humidity is higher. I would want to know why its only squeaking and "raising" only in one spot. If you can rule out the humidity issue (which is ofter over looked) you can then start to look for other reasons. Maybe the floor was installed to tight to the walls/doors maybe it just is a simple subfloor issue. Baby powder should work but just keep in mind its only a temporary measure and not a fix.