Easy Solutions for Busy Homeowners in Newmarket!
You’ve successfully endured a hectic day and managed to tuck your restless newborn into bed. Imagining the soothing embrace of a hot bubble bath, you tiptoe away and—creak! A sudden noisy rebellion from the floorboard has your baby screaming the house down and your bath a mere dream! Sound familiar? If you’re nodding in frustration, welcome to the Creaky Floorboard Club!
Don’t worry, fellow Newmarket homeowners; Art of Clean has some friendly, easy-to-follow advice to silence those noisy nuisances. Whether you’re a busy parent or simply looking for peace in your living space, read on for handy tips to restore tranquillity in your home.
Why Are Your Floorboards Creaking?
Creaking floorboards are often the result of several factors, including incorrect installation, wear and tear, and environmental conditions. The common culprits include:
- Small gaps between floor joists and floorboards on a suspended floor
- There needs to be a sufficient underlay in floating floors
- Incorrect or loose nails
- Weakened floor joists over time
- Moisture damage
Identifying and Fixing the Creaky Culprit
Step 1: Locate the Noise
Start by precisely identifying the noisy spots. Walk around the boarded area and mark the correct locations. Two ears are definitely better than one—invite someone to join the hunt!
Step 2: Investigate the Cause
Once the troublesome area is marked, lift the boards to unveil the cause. If you encounter severe issues like rot or woodworm, it’s time to call the professionals.
Step 3: Fix It Yourself
Found the cause? Great! Here’s how you can fix it:
- Wrong Nails: Replace too short or weak nails with suitable ones
- Inadequate Nailing: Add screws where the board is loose
- Warped Joists: Fix an additional piece of timber to the affected beam
- Underlay Issues: Fix gaps in the underlay with epoxy resin or relay the underlay
- Moisture Exposure: After fixing the leak, replace the damaged boards
Quick Fixes and Tips
If your floorboards are still putting up a noisy fight and you can’t find any clear reasons, try this little trick: sprinkle some talcum powder between the boards to reduce friction. (This is a quick, temporary solution, especially effective if you have carpet over the top!)
When to Call in the Pros?
If you’re dealing with extensive damage or feel overwhelmed, it’s time to call the experts.
Get 2 or 3 quotes from reputable companies and check them out in depth. Check out their GEARS…
G: Guarantee – The initial inquiry should revolve around the company’s assurance. If the service falls short of your expectations, is the company committed to rectifying the issues? Are they prepared to reimburse your payment? Being clear on these aspects from the get-go can spare you numerous hassles in the future.
E: Education – Inquire about the level of training the company and its staff have undergone. The company you opt for must boast a proficient team with extensive knowledge about their services.
A: Achievements – Probe into the company’s past projects and accomplishments. Do they possess a portfolio or instances of their completed work? Reviewing such examples can offer insights into their level of proficiency and capabilities.
R: Reputation – This reconnects to the aspect of reviews. What is the consensus about the company from other customers? Positive reviews frequently serve as a favourable sign of the company’s standing and service quality.
S: Systems – What variety of machinery is employed by them? Dive into what products they use. Is their system dust-free and eco-friendly?
I hope this has helped you… Here at Art of Clean, we lovingly restore wood floors to life in the Newmarket, Suffolk area. So, if you’re a busy homeowner living in Newmarket, Suffolk, we’re just a call away!
We’ll ensure your floors are quiet and beautifully restored, letting you enjoy your peaceful home and that much-needed bubble bath without interruptions.
Here to uninterrupted bubble baths and less squeakiness in your life!!
