Creaky floorboards.

Jue'sDD

We have found a house that we are thinking of maybe putting an offer on. However the floorboards in the upstairs are very, very creaky and would definately need replacing. However I am worried that even if we put new floorboards in it may become a problem again down the line. Does anyone have experience with this?

ormus

99% of the time they will be ok, when you screw them down better. (candle wax them too).
its pretty rare to replace upstairs floorboards. they can last 100 yrs and more.

tim_n

Jue'sDD wrote: »

We have found a house that we are thinking of maybe putting an offer on. However the floorboards in the upstairs are very, very creaky and would definately need replacing. However I am worried that even if we put new floorboards in it may become a problem again down the line. Does anyone have experience with this?

Just recently moved out of a 10yr old new build which had developed creaky floorboards.

I suspect this happens as they gradually dry out and generally it's nothing to worry about.

If you're worried about the state of the floorboards, get a full survey and specify that's an area in particular you're concerned about and get their opinion on it. It's piece of mind and if there is something actually wrong you've got something to negotiate with.

I wouldn't buy a property without one personally!

grimsalve

Creaky floorboards means your OH can't sneak about without you knowing what they're up to

Last three houses I've lived in (all newish builds) have had creaky floorboards, I'm guessing they just use the absolute minimum of nails (or none at all) instead of screwing them down properly. I don't think it's a sign of anything wrong though. I was told sprinkling talc on the joints can help but I reckon this would only be a short term fix.

Ebe_Scrooge

Yes, talc and candle wax can help - basically it lubricates the joints between the boards, so they don't squeak as much when they rub together. But the more permanent fix is just to screw them down - screws won't pull out in the way that nails do, which is what causes the squeaking in the first place, as the boards can then flex. Just be careful not to screw through any heating pipes or electricity cables that are running underneath - if you follow where the existing nails are you should be OK.

paulpud

Are they definitely floorboards or is it possible the flooring is ply or chipboard sheet?

We bought our house 4 years ago and found the floor in our bedroom creaked terrible. I lifted the carpets and found chipboard flooring that had been nailed down and there was slight movement around the fixings causing the horrible creaking. Simply screwing the boards down cured it.

27col

Creaky floor boards are one of the easiest DIY jobs to fix. Extra screws are the answer usually. Check to see if the board has been lifted before. If so check carefully for cables and pipes. It is mostly a matter of common sense. As ormus says, it is almost unheard of for upstairs boards to require replacement.

diable

If its an older house then it's called "character" I wouldn't worry about it but do be careful about putting in extra scews as you don't knoe the runs for the electrics or central heating pipes.

muckybutt

When I floored my loft convertion I glued and screwed, they were as quiet as a mouse.

Sunnyday

When i had this problem in our living room i found a board with a nail missing, this was the culprit, i put a screw into the empty nail hole and went straight through the water pipe for the central heating :eek:

Lesson learned - never assume that because there is a hole there was a nail there in the first place. In this case the hole was probably there long before the heating pipe.

I just haven`t plucked up enough courage to tackle the squeaky stairs

Seriously i wouldn`t let it put you off if you like the house.

SD

27col

Been there, done that!