You’ve just installed your floating floor at home, it’s brand new, bright and soft as you hoped. The only downside: in some places, you hear squeaking noises under your feet. We often associate noisy floors with wear and tear, but it turns out that you can end up with a new floating floor that squeaks. These little creaks may seem trivial to some people, just as they can make everyday life very difficult, and for good reason. After changing your floor, you want to be able to enjoy it! We’ll explain where this phenomenon can come from and what solutions exist.
Squeaking due to the floorboards
Floating floors are an attractive option for many people because they offer the look of hardwood at a lower cost. Moreover, new floating floors are increasingly beautiful and come in a series of colors, sizes, and styles. But their very nature presents certain limitations. Thus, the interlocking floor system explains the potential squeaking. In fact, where the boards meet, they can rub against each other and make a creaking noise. This is also explained by the type of floating floor used: if the boards are waxed or have lubricated edges, squeaking can be avoided.
Squeaking due to installation
The source of the noise can also come from the installation of the floor itself. Although easy to install, it is also very easy to miss certain details when choosing a floating floor. The edges of the floor, for example, the space between the walls and the floor, or even the base of the floor itself that sits between the ground and the boards are important elements that require special attention. It’s possible that the subfloor wasn’t completely flat when the boards were laid on top, causing squeaking in certain areas. You’ll also notice that the squeaking is more or less bothersome depending on the season, with humidity playing a decisive role in how wood floors hold up.
Reinstalling the parquet
If the squeaking persists and is bothersome, there’s no other solution than to reinstall the floor, at least in the areas that squeak. A professional will first check the humidity level in the house, the room, and the ground where the floor will be reinstalled. Based on this information, they will choose what type of subfloor to use to ensure air can pass between the ground and the floor. The material will also help dampen possible noises. The expert may also choose another type of floating floor that will be better for the room, such as bamboo flooring, for example, which is becoming increasingly popular.
Squeaks in a house can be very difficult to live with for some people who are more sensitive to noise. That’s why laying a parquet, even a floating one, must be done meticulously, scrupulously following the procedure and adapting to its environment. Don’t hesitate to call on professionals to get their opinion and receive expert advice before embarking on this adventure.
