How To Repair Squeaky Floors Through Carpeting

Squeaky floors can drive you crazy—especially when they’re buried under your carpet. Fixing them doesn’t have to mean ripping up your flooring. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows us a clever way to quiet those squeaks without visible damage to the carpet, and we’ll break down his technique in the article below.

What Causes Squeaky Floors?

Before we get to the fix, let’s talk about why floors squeak in the first place. Common causes include loose subflooring that shifts and creates friction, gaps between the subfloor and floor joists, warped or damaged floorboards, and seasonal changes causing wood to expand and contract. 

Repairing squeaky floors under carpet presents a unique challenge because you can’t directly access the subfloor. Traditional methods of fixing squeaks, such as hammering nails or adding wood filler, aren’t feasible without removing the carpet. This is where specialized techniques and tools come into play. The process requires precision and the right tools to ensure the floor is secured without any visible damage to the carpet.

Tools and Materials Needed to Repair Squeaky Floors

To fix squeaky floors through carpeting, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Drill/driver
• Hammer
• Joist-finding screw
• Measuring tape
• Scored screws
• Screw gripper
• String
• Tripod-shaped alignment and depth control fixture

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Squeaky Floors Under Carpet 

Follow these steps to silence those annoying squeaks without damaging your carpet. 

1. Locate the Floor Joists

Finding the floor joists is the first step in this repair process. In the video, Silva uses a hammer to tap on the carpeted floor, listening for a dull thud that indicates a joist below. Once you’ve found a likely spot, use a joist-finding screw to confirm the location. Drill the screw through the carpet and subfloor. If you hit a joist, you’ll feel resistance. If you miss, move over a couple of inches and try again.

2. Map Out the Joist System

After locating one joist, you need to map out the rest. Measure 16 inches from the first joist to find the next one (most joists are spaced 16 inches apart). Confirm the location of each joist using the joist-finding screw. Once you’ve mapped out the joists in the squeaky area, you’re ready to begin the repair.

3. Secure the Subfloor to the Joists

This is where specialized tools come into play. Follow these steps to secure the subfloor to the joists:

1. Use the tripod-shaped alignment and depth control fixture to guide the scored screws.
2. Place the fixture over the located joist and press it firmly into the carpet.
3. Insert a scored screw into the drill/driver and drive it through the center of the fixture until it bottoms out.
4. Repeat this process along the joists in the squeaky area, spacing screws about 8 inches apart.

4. Create a Guide System

Drive screws into the joists at both ends of the room, but don’t break off the heads yet. Run taut strings from screw to screw across the room to indicate the joist lines. Use these strings as guides for placing the remaining screws.

5. Remove Screw Heads

Once all screws are in place, the next step is to remove the protruding screw heads. Use the screw gripper attachment on the fixture to hook onto each protruding screw head and rock the fixture back and forth to snap off the screw head. The screw will break at a predetermined point just below the subfloor surface.

Benefits of This Repair Method

This method of repairing squeaky floors through carpeting offers several advantages:

• Effective: It securely fastens the subfloor to the joists, eliminating movement and squeaks.
• Invisible: Once complete, there’s no visible evidence of the repair.
• Non-destructive: It doesn’t require removing or damaging the carpet.

Using this approach can save time and money compared to more invasive methods. Homeowners who tackle this project themselves can avoid the inconvenience and expense of removing carpet and redoing floors.

When To Call a Professional

While this DIY method is effective for many squeaky floor situations, there are times when professional help may be necessary. For instance, if the squeaks persist after attempting this repair, it may indicate deeper structural issues with the floor joists. In such cases, we recommend consulting a flooring professional or structural engineer.

If you’re uncomfortable working with power tools or making home repairs, seeking professional assistance can ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Professionals have the expertise and tools for more complex repairs that go beyond simple squeak fixes.

Preventing Future Squeaks

Once you’ve addressed your current squeaky floor issues, consider these tips to prevent future problems:

• Address any water damage or leaks promptly to prevent wood warping.
• Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels to prevent wood expansion and contraction.
• Use construction adhesive when installing new flooring to reduce movement.

Regular maintenance and inspections can help you identify potential issues before they become major problems. Keeping an eye on high-traffic areas and promptly addressing minor fixes can prolong the lifespan of your flooring.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

For ongoing prevention, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Avoid excessive moisture exposure by promptly cleaning up spills and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Regularly check for loose nails or screws and re-secure them as needed.
• Use area rugs in high-traffic zones to reduce wear and tear on the flooring beneath.

By integrating these practices into your home maintenance routine, you can minimize the likelihood of future squeaky floors and maintain a peaceful living environment.