How can I avoid floors squeaking when walked on?
There are a number of factors that can cause a floor to squeak in service. In TRADA's experience, squeaks can commonly be a result of a combination of these factors rather than a single one.
One of the main causes of floors squeaking is moisture-related shrinkage of timber components. This can lead to physical movement in the floor structure, in particular between components and their fixings. Friction between these elements when subjected to foot traffic can result in squeaking.
TRADA Wood Information Sheet ‘Timber joist and deck floors - avoiding movement' deals specifically with this subject.
Further information can be found in the publications listed below.
TRADA also provides a range of services for building designers, product manufacters and end users of timber flooring, including the design, specification or inspections of timber flooring, for more information please follow this link
Decorative Timber Flooring.
Outlines the types of decorative flooring available ie solid timber and multi-layer or engineered types. It discusses the timber properties required, suitable species and the all-important considerations of environmental conditions and moisture content. Finally, floor construction, laying and finishing seals are considered.
Sealing timber floors: A best practice guide
Deals with seal types and the selection, floor preparation, schedule specification and application of seals. Identifies common faults and their prevention. Covers polishing and maintenance and measures which can be adopted to avoid wear. Refurbishment and stripping of existing floors is also covered.
Seals for timber floors: A specification guide
Provides objective guidance on commercially available seals. Thirty products were subjected to a programme of laboratory tests, each dealing with a different performance criterion. A list of 'top ten' products for each of the tests allows users to select products that best meet the demands created by particular end-use environments. Describes the test methods used and explains how to use the guide through worked examples.
