Why Do My Floors Feel Uneven or Squeaky?
You are walking through your home and the floor dips under your feet. Or every time you step in a certain spot, you hear that familiar squeak. It is easy to ignore at first. But over time, uneven or squeaky floors can be a sign of something more serious going on beneath the surface. Understanding why this happens can help you decide whether it is a quick fix or something that needs professional attention. Why Floors Squeak? Squeaky floors are almost always caused by wood rubbing against wood or wood rubbing against a nail. Here is what usually causes it: 1. Seasonal Wood Movement Wood is a natural material. It expands in humid weather and contracts when it gets dry. Over years of this back-and-forth movement, the boards and the subfloor underneath can start to shift slightly. When they move, they rub against each other or against the nails holding them in place — and that creates the squeak. 2. Loose Subfloor Below your finished flooring is a layer called the subfloor. If the n...