Creak out

FIX THOSE ANNOYING NOISY FLOORBOARDS WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

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TIMELESS, comfy underfoot, envi- ronmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing, there are lots of reasons to love the natural beauty of hardwood flooring.

But, as is often the case with natural wood finishes, the effects of time can take its toll. Especially in the case of floorboards and sound of creaking with every step.

To put you on the front foot, Adrian Cox, managing director of Fix-A-Floor, breaks down the common home repair issues...

Why do floorboards creak?

“Hardwood floors often creak due to wood shrinkage or loose nails, while laminate flooring may creak if the underlayment shifts, or wasn’t installed correctly,” Adrian says.

“Carpeted floors can develop a creaky floorboard when the sub floor or joists loosen, and vinyl flooring can make noises if the adhesive weakens,” he explains.

Quite apart from the type of flooring, the main factors which cause issues include the age of your home and floor, underlines Adrian. “The older they are, the more likely issues will occur.”

Why you shouldn't ignore creaky floors