Squeaky linoleum gets permanent fix

Q: I eagerly read your column about fixing squeaky floors by renailing from the top. But my problem is under the linoleum in the kitchen. Do you have any suggestions on how I can fix a small (roughly 1-by-2-foot) section? When the linoleum was laid, it went wall to wall and then the floor cabinets were placed over it. My basement is unfinished, so I would have access to the joists and subfloor. Any ideas?

A: Do not despair. There's a much better than even chance you can silence the squeak with little effort and at practically no cost.

The cause is probably a loose nail or two in the subfloor. It's a good thing that you have access from underneath. It will make the fix easy.

Solving the problem begins with ferreting out the cause. You report that the squeak is isolated to a small section of the kitchen floor. Since you say the house was constructed in 1941, we're betting that a cross section of the floor will show 2-by-8 floor joists covered by a subfloor of 1-inch boards over which is particle board underlayment and finally the vinyl flooring.

We think the cause of the squeak is movement of the subfloor when someone steps in that certain spot. The cure is to eliminate the movement.

Subflooring of this type is usually 1-by-8 or 1-by-10-inch boards laid diagonally and nailed to the floor joists with 8d nails. The most likely place for a board to loosen is where two boards join over a floor joist.

Over time, nails at the ends of the board tend to split the wood, causing the bond between the board and the joist to weaken. When someone steps on the spot, the board flexes against the nail and a squeak is born.

To verify our theory, you'll have to do a little detective work. It'll require two people, one in the basement and the other stepping on the floor above. While the person above shifts his weight to make the floor squeak, the person below should listen for the squeak and try to see any movement in the subfloor.

When the squeak is located, drive a thin wedge of wood between the floor joist and the offending board. Have your partner in the kitchen move around on the spot to make sure the squeak is gone.

But you're not done yet. The wood wedge will expand and contract with changes in the moisture in the air. A more permanent solution is required. We suggest that the subfloor board be anchored to the floor joist with a piece of 90-degree angle iron or a Simpson Strong-Tie bracket. ...CONTINUED

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