If you are noticing noisy wood floors during the extreme points in summer or winter, then the movement is related to the environment. In the dead of winter, floors will naturally be drier – your home can be drier than the Sahara at times. And dry air = shrinking and gaps.
Yes, hardwood floors can creak more in the winter. This is mainly due to changes in humidity and temperature. During winter, indoor air tends to be drier because of heating systems, which can cause the wood to contract.
There is no need to panic. In real life, squeaks are not a big problem, which means they do not indicate structural damage, such as termites, that could cause the floor or crane to collapse. And repairing hardwood floors is very simple. Although any floor can creak, stairs and hard floors are the most common culprits.
Temperature Changes: Wood expands when it's warm and contracts when it's cold. This can lead to creaking sounds as the materials shift.
Avoid Cracking Hardwood When Cold Weather Sets In
We hear a lot about how excess moisture can damage hardwood floors, but too little moisture can be just as problematic, particularly during cold winter months. Dry brittle air can, over time, cause “cracking” or shrinkage that results in gaps between boards.
Like regular water, temperatures affect the water inside the wood, causing it to expand when it's hot and contract when it's cold. After a few cycles of expansion and contraction, the wood can start to crack and warp, becoming bent and distorted over time.
Cracks often occur in older hardwood floors or in homes that are too dry. If the crack is small enough, use a wood filler to seal the wood and stain or color it to match the shade of the floor. Do not use wood filler on more significant gaps or holes.
But perhaps the most noticeable concern isn't a winter woe at all. That loud popping noise you've noticed your house or deck making isn't a poltergeist or structural issue. Instead, it's the interaction between your home's building materials as they contract and expand.
Loose Floorboards
Wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Over time, nails or screws holding your floorboards in place can loosen, allowing the boards to rub against each other and produce that familiar creaking sound.
The environment can also cause creaky wood floors. Perhaps there is extra moisture or humidity in your home. It could also be making noise if there is a fluctuation in temperature. Wood expands and contracts as things warm up and cool down throughout the day.
Squeaky Floors Are a Structural Problem
It's better to play it safe. If you notice that your floors are creaking, bouncing, and squeaking as you walk on them, you should call a professional to inspect your foundation for a sure answer.
It happens often when the air cools in the evening and the wood contracts. It's not typically something you need to give much thought, but if those creaking sounds increase, it may be time to listen more carefully. Why? It could be an issue with your foundation.
How much does it cost to fix a squeaky floor? If you're tired of hearing that annoying squeak every time you walk across the floor, the cost of repairing it can vary widely, from a mere $10 to more than a whopping $1,000.
This is not necessarily a reason to panic! While any floor can creak, hardwood flooring and staircases are the most common offenders. Wood will contract and expand with the changing of seasons, which is entirely unavoidable unless you install engineered wood flooring specially made to be weather-resistant.
With cold weather comes a decrease in the air's moisture and as a result, hardwood floors will contract. You might see some gapping in between boards and planks. Conversely, higher temperatures and more humidity cause hardwood floors to expand in the areas where they contracted in cold-weather times.
Ways to Address Squeaky Floorboards
Lubricating Oil: Apply a small amount of lubricating oil to the joints where the squeak is occurring. Shims: Insert shims between the joists and subfloor to stabilize the movement.
sometimes begin to hear a squeaky wood floor in our homes. As temperatures start to cool, humidity levels outside and inside also shift from balmy to dry. When you turn on the heater, even more air moisture is lost and if not replaced, your floors can start to tell you about it in a very audible fashion.
Wet or water-damaged subfloors that are structurally unstable can cause long-term problems with your home, and simply replacing the wood floor on top will not fix the problem. Loud squeaks and creaks are likely with an unstable subfloor.
Specific environmental problems that could be contributing to a creaking sound are moisture, humidity, and temperature. For example, if the area of the floor that creaks is over a cold basement then excess moisture could be affecting the wood.
The most common reason for a house to make noises is temperature changes in the air, or what is known as thermal expansion and contraction. The temperature changes cause the wood, metal and other materials in the house structure to expand and contract, resulting in ominous creaks.
Winter's colder air cannot hold as much moisture as warmer air has the potential to do. As the dryer winter air normally infiltrates the home, the home itself can become dryer. This drying of the home air and the materials used to build the home results in the materials shrinking a bit, and small cracks will form.
Look for wide cracks: Any basement floor crack over 1/8 inch wide needs sealing, but we also recommend having a repair company look at it. Wide cracks are more often a sign of foundation damage from unexpected soil movement rather than natural settling.
It is perfectly normal for a brand new hardwood floor to make noises. In the industry, it is called the “snap, crackle, pop” effect.
Customers say the Gorilla Wood Filler is easy to use and comes in a convenient squeeze tube that minimizes waste and prevents drying out. Many appreciate its strong adhesion and ability to fill holes and cracks effectively, with minimal shrinkage.