Question about fixing squeaky floorboards without pulling them up

I always thought you had to nail down squeaky floors from the top, which leaves ugly holes. Last month, I saw a video about squeezing glue between the floor joists and subfloor from below. I figured it was too good to be true, but my basement access let me try it. I picked up a cheap adhesive and a long tube for my caulk gun. It took some feeling around to find where the wood was moving, but once I did, the squeak stopped right away. Now I swear by this method for hidden fixes. Have you tried something similar, or do you know a trick to spot squeaks faster?

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3 Comments

the_mila7mo ago

That glue trick is a total band-aid fix for people who don't want to do the job right. Squeezing adhesive into a dark gap from below is just guessing, and it makes a huge mess on your subfloor for the next person. That bond will fail with the first big temperature swing or when someone drags a heavy piece of furniture across it. The only real fix is still coming from above with a proper screw or a finish nailer into the joist.

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robinson.quinn7mo ago

About that "band-aid fix" comment, you hit the nail on the head! Using glue from below is like trying to stop a leak with a piece of tape. It might look okay for a second, but it's just guessing in the dark. I mean, who wants a sticky mess hidden under their floor for the next owner to find? That bond won't last through summer heat or a couch being moved. It's honestly a lazy shortcut that causes more problems later. Just take the time and do it right from the start!

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willow_ellis97mo ago

What about old houses with plaster ceilings below?

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