Why is my laminate floor creaking? Find out the possible reasons with Floor-Fix Pro

Common Causes of Creaky Floors

Creaky floors can interrupt the quiet of your home, and it's not just an annoying sound—it's a sign your floor might need some attention. For laminate floors, a major appeal is their sleek look and ease of upkeep, but they can start to creak due to changes in the environment, like shifts in humidity and temperature. These changes make the floorboards expand and contract, rubbing against one another or the subfloor, and that’s what causes those creaks you hear.

 

Instability: A Key Issue

Another common cause is instability from a subfloor that wasn’t properly prepared, or if the foundation itself is uneven. Laminate flooring is designed to "float" to handle small shifts, but when those shifts are too large, it results in creaking. Over time, the interlocking joints of the floor can also loosen, adding to the noise.

 

Subfloor Imperfections

The quality of your laminate flooring installation heavily relies on a perfectly level subfloor. Any bumps or unevenness can put unequal pressure on different parts of the floor, leading to shifting and settling—which means more creaking as you walk across.

Climate and Moisture Effects

Laminate is particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature. If the air in your home gets too humid, the planks absorb moisture and expand, pushing against each other and the walls, which can cause creaking. On the flip side, dry air can make the planks shrink and leave gaps that also lead to noise. Keeping your home’s climate stable can make a big difference.

Issues with the Laminate Locking System

The locking mechanism of laminate floors keeps everything tight and in place. If it’s not aligned correctly during installation, or if it wears out over time, the planks might shift and creak. Make sure your floor was installed correctly and check for any wear and tear.

Installation-Related Issues

Proper installation is crucial. A poorly laid underlay or not leaving enough space for expansion can cause your laminate to move more than it should, resulting in noise. Also, make sure the right type of underlay is used—one that suits your specific flooring and environmental conditions.

 

Maintaining and Repairing Your Floor

Even the best floors wear down over time. If your laminate starts creaking, take a look at the joints and the subfloor. Sometimes, a simple fix like tightening up the joints or adding some adhesive can stop the noise. If you’re not sure what to do, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@floorfixpro.com. We're here to help with practical advice and effective products tailored to your flooring needs.

DIY Repair Techniques

If you're up for a bit of DIY, start by identifying which planks are creaking. Our Squeaky Diagnostic Kit is designed to help you find out whether the issue is with the laminate or the subfloor. We offer specific products like Click Lube and Groove Gasket that target common causes of squeaks. Not all products are created equal, and at Floor-Fix Pro, we stand by the effectiveness of our trade-grade solutions.

Remember, while we aim to fix 95% of floor issues, some might need more specialized attention. If you need assistance or aren't sure which product to use, get in touch. We're not just selling products—we're offering proven solutions based on years of expertise in the flooring industry.