I have an older home with carpet which has squeaky floors. What can I do?

– Allen

Hi Allen,

Squeaks and creaks under carpeting are caused by movement in the subfloor against a floor joist or loose nail. If you have access underneath the floor, you can fix squeaks in your floors using wooden shims. Start by spreading wood glue on the end of the shims, then insert the shims between the floor and joists wherever you find a gap to stop the subfloor from moving.

Next, use a caulking gun to run a bead of construction adhesive along both sides of every joist to lock the subfloor in place. It’s labor intensive work, but it should stop most squeaks in floors.

Another option is a product called the Squeak-Ender, which consists of a metal mounting plate attached to the bottom of the subfloor with a threaded rod and bracket that fits over the floor joist. Tightening up a nut on the bracket pulls the subfloor snugly against the joist, eliminating the squeak.

If you don’t have access to the underside of the subfloor, I’ve had success with a gadget called Squeeeeek No More which allows you to screw the subfloor down right through the carpet without removing it. The device uses a specially designed screw that’s inserted through the carpet into the floor joist. The head of the screw is then snapped off below the surface of the plywood, so you’ll never know it’s there.

Good luck with your project,


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    Danny Lipford

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    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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