The Underrated Architecture Issue: Navigating Creaky Floors in Your London Home

At RISE Design Studio we’ve come to realise that the charm and character of a building are not solely about its exterior. The interior plays an equal part in shaping the overall alma, including aspects often overlooked, like the subtle yet intriguing issue of squeaky floors. I would like to delve into this seemingly trivial topic which, surprisingly, can offer insights into the history, health, and maintenance of a property, particularly within the context of our beloved city, London.

Chapter 1: The Charm of London Living

The appeal of living in London is often found in the city’s abundant historic homes. As an architect, the history imbued in every brick and floorboard of these properties is an irresistible allure. However, there’s no denying that these older residences come with their unique set of challenges. Beyond the strict regulations associated with renovating historic properties, there are minor inconveniences that homeowners tend to overlook – uneven doors, weathered paint, and, yes, those mysterious creaking floors.

Chapter 2: The Universality of Squeaky Floors

While it’s easy to attribute these peculiar noises to older homes in London, I must emphasise that squeaky floors are not a problem exclusive to such properties. In our years of experience, we’ve found that even in new constructions, particularly those where the builders have taken shortcuts or used subpar materials, squeaky floors can be a common occurrence.

Chapter 3: Unearthing the Roots of the Squeak

So, what exactly causes your serene home to transform into a squeaky orchestra at the slightest footfall? A multitude of factors can be at play here. For instance, in older homes, the wooden floorboards are exposed to the changing humidity levels characteristic of the London climate, fluctuating between dry winters and moist summers. These variations cause the wood to contract and expand, leading to loosened nails, and therefore, the telltale squeak.

Chapter 4: The Anatomy of Floor Construction

The issue becomes clearer if we examine the typical construction process of floors. Wooden floorboards are often secured to the subfloor, which is then attached to the joists. Over time, due to constant weight and movement, the spaces can develop between these components. This spatial disconnect can then turn your otherwise quiet floor into a creaky companion.

Chapter 5: New Houses, Old Problems

In new homes, the problem often lies in the quality of construction. Builders might opt for cheaper materials like particleboard instead of plywood for the subfloor, compromising the longevity and robustness of the floor. Another common culprit is the use of a nail gun for fixing the subfloor to the joists. Although faster and easier, the nails secured this way tend to become loose over time, contributing to the creaking noise.

Chapter 6: Squeakiness – Symptom of a Bigger Issue?

Though often dismissed as a mere annoyance, a squeaky floor can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying, more serious issue, such as structural damage beneath the floorboards. It’s crucial, therefore, to address these noises promptly rather than let them slide.

Chapter 7: What Can You Do About It?

Having a creaky floor does not mean you are condemned to live with it. There are various ways to address the problem, depending on the nature of the squeak and the access you have to the floor’s underside.

Chapter 8: Techniques for Quieting the Squeak

Suppose you have an unfinished ceiling in your basement or similar space that allows access to the subfloor. In that case, you can identify the squeaky spot by having someone walk on the floor above while you locate the source of the noise below. Once located, if the squeak is due to space between the subfloor and a joist, you can insert a wooden shim to mitigate the noise.

Chapter 9: Alternative Solutions

When the underside of the floor isn’t accessible, or if your floors are carpeted, the squeak can be addressed from above. There are specially designed screws available that can be drilled through carpeted floors to fix the squeaks, without the need for pulling up the carpeting. But remember, the devil is in the details. Using screws that are too long could puncture the wooden floor and create a potential safety hazard.

In the end, squeaky floors can be more than just a minor inconvenience. They could tell a story about your home’s age, the construction quality, or indicate potential damage. By understanding their causes and knowing how to deal with them, we can better appreciate and care for the character and heritage of our London homes.

If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at mail@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3973 9073

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