Squeaky floors are easy to ignore at first, but they can raise a bigger question. Are they just an annoyance, or are squeaky floors a sign of a structural problem beneath the surface? Knowing the difference helps prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs.

Most of the time, the cause is simple. Loose nails, wood shrinkage, or normal settling can lead to noise. But in some cases, floor squeaks may point to movement in the framing or signs of foundation trouble.

What Causes Squeaky Floors?

Squeaky floors can happen in both old and new homes. The sound often comes from parts rubbing together when you walk.

Here are some common reasons floors squeak:

• Loose floorboards or nails
• Gaps between the wood and the subfloor
• Old or weak adhesive under wood flooring
• Normal settling of the house over time
• Humidity changes cause boards to expand or contract

In many Kansas City homes, the shifting we see from season to season can make wood floors loosen slightly. This often creates small gaps, which lead to squeaks.

Are Squeaky Floors a Structural Problem?

It depends on what’s going on under the floor. Most of the time, the answer is no. But there are times when a squeaky floor may point to a bigger issue.

So, when should you be concerned?

• The squeaking is new and sudden after years of no sound
• The noise gets worse quickly over a short period
• You notice the floor feels soft or dips in certain spots
• Cracks form in walls or doors that won’t close properly

If you see any of these signs, we recommend having a professional check your home. It could be due to loose framing, joist movement, or general foundation settling that needs attention.

Key Takeaway: Not every squeaky floor means foundation trouble, but sudden or worsening squeaks should be checked out by an expert.

Need expert help with squeaky floors or foundation stability? Contact Olson Foundation Repair for a free consultation. We’ll check your floor, framing, and foundation to make sure your home is safe, quiet, and stable.

How to Fix a Squeaky Floor

Once we check that your floor framing is stable and secure, we can focus on the squeak itself. The fix depends on where the sound is coming from and what type of flooring you have.

Floor repairs from above:

• Add nails or screws to loose wood flooring
• Apply wood glue to secure cracked boards
• Use floor repair kits for hardwood or laminate gaps

Floor repairs from below:

• Tighten loose joists from the basement or crawl space
• Install shims between joists and subfloor
• Add blocking to brace the moving floor pieces

We choose the method based on the location and cause of the squeak. If your floor is carpeted, we may need to lift a small section to access the wood beneath.

Pro Tip: If your home has a basement, it’s often easier to fix squeaky floors from below without tearing up the flooring above.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore a Noisy Floor

A squeaky floor may seem like a small issue, but it can reveal more than you think. While it’s often harmless, sudden or spreading noise should be taken seriously.

We’re here to help you figure out what’s going on and give you a clear plan to fix it, whether it’s a simple nail or a deeper structural repair.

Call Olson Foundation Repair today to schedule your inspection. We’ll make sure your home stays solid from the ground up.