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Are Squeaky Floors a Structural Problem?

Sagging hardwood floor.

Who doesn’t love the look of a hardwood floor? While they are stylish, there is one potential downside—floors that squeak as you walk on them.

Here, we’ll dive deep into what causes squeaky floors and if they’re a sign of a larger structural problem. If you live in Northern California, discover the best steps to take when your floors start to squeak.

What Causes Squeaky Floors?

Floor joist bending under weight.

Squeaky floors happen when parts of the floor itself rub against each other and cause friction. This might be two slabs of wood rubbing against each other, or floor joists (structural components supporting the floor) bending under someone’s weight.

Most often, squeaky floors show up for two reasons:

In fact, foundation settlement is often influenced by moisture. After heavy rain or during a drought, soil becomes too weak to support a home, so it sinks into the ground and may warp the floors inside as a result.

Why Moisture is Bad For Your Floors

Rotting wood in a crawl space.

Moisture and wood are not a good mix. When water is absorbed by wood, it encourages mold growth and wood rot—two types of fungus that eat away at wooden structures.

If left unchecked, wood rot and mold cause your wooden floors to break down and become weak. Over time, this causes the floors to bounce and creak as you walk over them.

Squeaky Floors Are a Structural Problem

Since squeaky floors mostly show up when wood becomes weak, they are a sign of structural issues. While there are rare instances when a squeaky floor is just a minor issue, you should always assume that it’s being caused by a structural problem.

It’s better to play it safe. If you notice that your floors are creaking, bouncing, and squeaking as you walk on them, you should call a professional to inspect your foundation for a sure answer.

How Do You Fix Squeaky Floors?

Fixing squeaky floors means you’ll need to repair your foundation. Depending on the type of foundation your home has, the repair process will look different. Here’s how it works for the two most common types of foundations in California:

Foundation pier (left) and crawl space support jacks (right).
  • Slab Foundations: With foundation piers, experts redistribute the weight of your home to sturdy bedrock deep below the ground.
  • Crawl Spaces: With steel crawl space support jacks, experts push sagging beams back into place and provide them with unwavering support.

Can You Fix Squeaky Floors Yourself?

It can be tempting to try DIY methods to fix squeaky floors. Some homeowners use talcum powder or powdered graphite to provide lubrication.

While this might temporarily eliminate squeakiness, it’s only a surface-level fix. Since most squeaky floors are caused by foundation movement or moisture, you need to address those things to truly fix them.

Most homeowners don’t have the tools or training to resolve such large problems. It’s better to work with a professional, like Bay Area Underpinning, who can provide industry-leading solutions and experience.

Repair and Prevent You Squeaky Floors With Bay Area Underpinning

BAU inspector shaking hands with homeowner at front door.

Let’s recap: squeaky floors should always be taken seriously. Most of the time, they do indicate a structural problem.

If you’re noticing squeaky floors in your home, and you want a professional opinion, consider working with Bay Area Underpinning. We are Northern California’s leading foundation repair experts, so contact us today for a free inspection, and fix your floors for good!

Squeaky Floor FAQs

The cost can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the required repairs. Minor fixes may be relatively inexpensive, while significant foundation repairs can be costly.

The timeline depends on the extent of the damage and necessary repairs, but Bay Area Underpinning’s professionals work efficiently to restore your floors and minimize disruption to your daily life. Most repairs can be completed within a day or two. Contact us for a free inspection, no-obligation estimate, and an accurate project timeline.

The method of repair depends on the extent of the damage to crawl space floor joists and floors. However, sagging floors can be fixed with proper reinforcement, such as Bay Area Underpinning’s proprietary IntelliJack™ Crawl Space Jacks. Our professionals will determine the cause of damage and the best repair during a free crawl space inspection.

Related Resources

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

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