Why does my floating floor sound like it's popping?

Author: Miss Birdie Buckridge  |  Last update: Monday, June 9, 2025

Floors That Make a Popping Sound The sound happens when a plank becomes loose and the nail rubs against the subfloor. If you have access to your floors from underneath, driving screws into the loose planks will usually solve the problem.

Is it normal for floating floors to make noise?

That sound is common with a lot of engineered floating floors unfortunately. It's like a cracking popping sound. It sounds like it is flexing because of the thickness of the underlayment. A lot of times, even if you follow the manufacture specs it still makes this sound.

Why is my vinyl flooring popping?

The warmer and brighter it is, the more your vinyl plank material will expand, eventually forcing the planks up from their original positioning and releasing the glue on any self-adhesive versions. The good news is, you're not out of luck, there are ways to protect your vinyl planks from heat and sunlight.

Why does my floating floor feel spongy?

An uneven subfloor is most likely to be the culprit for that spongy feeling if the issue is not evenly distributed but confined to specific areas – particularly if you can rule out causes such as water damage if, for instance, the flooring is newly installed.

Is it normal for a floating floor to bounce?

Probably bouncy because the flooring has expanded due to heat and there is no room for the planks to move, so they bend upwards. When installing floating floors you are supposed to leave 1/2-1'' of space at each wall for the planks to move.

What would cause laminate flooring to make a popping noise

Why is my floating floor popping up?

Laminate Flooring bouncing, lifting, separating or buckling problems, can occur from the following causes for example: 1. Water damage, moisture under flooring etc. 2. Expansion gap issue - lack of proper expansion spacing (too small spaces between the floor and walls) - This was my case.

How do you fix a bouncy floating floor?

Fixing a bouncy laminate floor involves addressing any underlying issues such as an uneven subfloor or inadequate underlay, and may include solutions like using a floor levelling compound or replacing damaged boards.

Why does my LVP feel spongy?

Water in the floor may result in a soft sponge-like laminate. Specific reasons include mopping the floor with a very wet mop, flooding from a broken water pipe, and insufficient moisture barriers installed underneath it. The damaged laminate cannot be repaired.

How do you fix a swollen floating floor?

Start by drying out the affected area using fans or dehumidifiers. If the swelling is minor, you may be able to fix it by gently tapping the swollen boards back into place using a rubber mallet. However, if the swelling is severe, you may need to replace the damaged boards altogether.

Why does my floating floor not feel solid?

If the subfloor has dents or bumps, the laminate won't lay flat, causing that spongy feeling. Eventually, if the subfloor is really uneven, you could break the laminate. Another reason behind the bouncy walk could be an improper installation of underlayment. Buckling also leads to a bouncy floor.

What causes popping sound on vinyl?

Yes, it's normal to hear crackling and popping sounds on vinyl records, especially older or heavily played ones. These noises can be rooted in several causes, including dust and debris on the record surface, imperfections in the vinyl pressing, static electricity, and wear and tear on the record from repeated playback.

What happens if water gets under LVP flooring?

Excess moisture and water under the flooring can deteriorate and soften vinyl planks. It can also lead to mold growth, setting up a potentially unhealthy indoor environment. Addressing surface-level moisture as well as any water damage under vinyl floors is essential to avoiding a worsening situation.

How long does it take for LVP to settle?

In most cases, you can confidently walk on your floating vinyl plank flooring 24-48 hours after installation once the planks have had time to acclimate and settle. Of course, following the manufacturer's specific guidelines for your product is always a good idea to ensure a successful installation.

Why does my floor make a popping sound?

Floors That Make a Popping Sound

The sound happens when a plank becomes loose and the nail rubs against the subfloor. If you have access to your floors from underneath, driving screws into the loose planks will usually solve the problem.

How long should a floating floor last?

A floating floor with great materials, structure, and properly cared for may last anywhere from 40 to 80 years or even more. If you're using thin and low-quality floorboard planks, expect a shorter floor lifespan.

Why does my LVP floor crackle when I walk on it?

When you walk on tile, you are pushing it down into the adhesive, and if the tile is not conformed, you are pushing it into contact with the adhesive which causes the clicking/crackling sound. To fix this, you can usually heat the area for at least a day, and then roll the tile using a 100-pound roller.

How do I fix my floor from popping up?

Removal and Replacement of Damaged Boards

– Carefully remove the boards that are popping up. – Find matching boards that align with the existing floor's color, grain, and size. This step ensures a professional installation look, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your floor.

Do floating floors settle over time?

Changes in temperature and humidity can affect vinyl plank flooring. While it is more resilient than natural wood, extreme fluctuations can still impact its performance. Maintaining a consistent indoor climate will help prevent the planks from moving or settling over time.

What happens if water gets under laminate flooring?

If water gets under laminate flooring, it can cause the planks to swell, warp, or lift. In severe cases, the flooring may need to be replaced to prevent further damage.

Why is LVP popping up?

Like wood and concrete, vinyl planks can expand and contract when the temperature changes. Moisture can also loosen adhesive or make planks warp and shift under strain.

How to fix popping laminate floor?

Apply a small amount of wood glue to the edges of the lifted planks and gently press them back into place. Use a tapping block and hammer to ensure a snug fit. Wipe away excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

How do I make my LVP less noisy?

Add Underlayment

The underlayment can absorb noise so that it doesn't go to the next room or the floor below. Flooring underlayment can installed with both LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks). While LVT and LVP are not soundproof, an underlayment can help you dampen the noise.

Is it normal for floating floors to bounce?

A floating floor can have a slight bounce or give underfoot, but it should not feel excessively bouncy or unstable.

Why does my floor feel spongy when I walk on it?

If any part of the subfloor is damaged, you may notice your floor feeling spongy, sagging, or sloping. Subfloor damage can occur due to various reasons, such as: Water Damage – Leaks, flooding, or high humidity levels can cause the subfloor to warp, swell, or rot, weakening its structural integrity.

Can floating floors be repaired?

Gaps can occur between the planks of a floating floor due to changes in humidity and temperature. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the affected boards or consider using a filler material designed for wood floors.

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