How do I fix squeaky floors?

Squeaky floors are almost always caused by wood rubbing against wood — either subfloor boards moving against each other, or flooring rubbing against nails or joists — and most cases can be fixed without major demolition.

The key to fixing a squeak is figuring out where you're working from: above (through finished flooring) or below (through an exposed basement or crawlspace ceiling). Access from below is almost always easier and more effective.

If you have access from below, have someone walk the floor above while you watch for movement in the subfloor. Once you spot the flex, drive a short wood screw up through the subfloor into the finished floor above — but measure carefully first. You want a screw long enough to pull the layers tight without poking through your hardwood. A 1.5" screw works for most subfloor-to-finish-floor situations. You can also apply construction adhesive along the top edge of the joist where it meets the subfloor to eliminate rubbing permanently.

If you're working from above, your options depend on your floor type. For hardwood floors, the most reliable fix is face-nailing or screwing near the squeak and filling the hole with a colour-matched wood filler. There are also specialty kits (like the Squeeeeek No More system) that drive a breakaway screw through carpet or hardwood and snap off flush — these work surprisingly well. For carpet, the screw goes right through and the carpet hides everything. For tile floors, squeaks are trickier because the issue is usually subfloor movement underneath — surface fixes rarely hold long-term.

Ottawa-specific context worth knowing: many Ottawa homes — especially post-war bungalows in Alta Vista, Elmvale, and Beacon Hill — have older plank subfloors rather than modern plywood. These are more prone to seasonal movement because Ottawa's climate swings from very humid summers to extremely dry winters. That humidity change causes wood to expand and contract significantly, so a squeak that's minor in October can be loud by February. Adding a humidifier to your home (ideally whole-home, tied to your furnace) can reduce seasonal squeaking noticeably.

This is a solid DIY project for most homeowners — no permits required, no specialized trades needed, and the risk is low. The main caution is not to overdrive screws and crack hardwood, and to always measure screw length carefully when working from below so you don't surface through finished flooring. If squeaks are widespread across a large area, or if you notice the floor flexing significantly or feels soft underfoot, that can signal subfloor rot or structural issues — at that point, it's worth having a contractor take a look before patching over the symptom.

Your next step: identify whether the squeak is isolated (one or two spots) or widespread. Isolated squeaks are a straightforward weekend fix. If the problem is throughout a room or you notice any soft spots, browse our Ottawa contractor directory to connect with a flooring or renovation professional who can assess the subfloor condition before you invest in new flooring on top.