You’ve just installed your floating floor at home; it’s brand new, bright, and soft as you hoped. The only downside is that in some areas, you hear creaking noises underfoot. Creaky floors are often associated with wear and tear, but it turns out you can have a new floating floor that creaks. These small noises might seem trivial to some, but they can make daily life quite difficult. After replacing your floor, you want to enjoy it! Here’s an explanation of what might cause this phenomenon and the solutions available.
Floating floors are an attractive option for many because they offer the look of hardwood at a lower cost. Additionally, new floating floors are increasingly beautiful and come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. However, their very nature presents some limitations. The interlocking system of the floor explains the potential for creaking. In fact, where the planks meet, they might rub together and produce a creaking sound. This can also be due to the type of floating floor used: if the planks are waxed or have lubricated edges, the creaking can be avoided.
The noise source might also come from the installation itself. Although your floor is easy to install, it’s easy to overlook certain details with floating floors. For example, the edges of the floor, the gap between the walls and the floor, and the base of the floor placed between the ground and the planks are crucial elements that need careful attention. It’s possible that the subfloor was not completely level when the planks were installed, causing creaks in certain areas. Additionally, creaking may vary with the seasons, as humidity plays a significant role in how wooden floors perform.
If the creaking persists and is bothersome, the only solution is to reinstall the floor, at least in the areas that are creaking. A professional will first check the humidity levels in the house, the room, and the floor where the flooring will be reinstalled. Based on this information, they will choose the type of subfloor to ensure proper air circulation between the ground and the floor. The material will also help absorb possible noises. The expert might also suggest a different type of floating floor that is better suited for the room, such as bamboo flooring, which is becoming increasingly popular. Creaks in a house can be very troublesome for people who are more sensitive to noise. That’s why installing a floor, even a floating one, should be done meticulously, following the proper steps and adapting to the environment. Don’t hesitate to consult professionals to get their opinions and expert advice before embarking on this project.