Squeaky Floors

Floor squeaks drive some people crazy while others consider them to be part of the character of the house or even part of the security system. If you are the former there are some standard cures for fixing squeaks, like shimming from below or nailing from above, but what about the non-standard squeaks? Squeaks are caused by friction between the flooring and its fasteners or the flooring and itself or other wood. When adjacent boards rub and squeak, the only solution may be lubrication. Try working a fine powder like talc or a dry silicone lubricant between the boards. Maybe you can't stop the movement, but you can stop the noise.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001