Homeowner Issues, Squeaky Floor, Etc.

monticellohomes

I have one homeowner that is turning into a pain in my rear-end. She is calling for every little thing, and some are justified but others are regular maintenance issues that she wants me to fix! Anybody have any suggestions on how to cut the calls? For the first time I am looking forward for that one-year anniversary.

One of the issues she is calling about is a squeaky floor, which I am willing to resolve but am unsure the best route or even why it is squeaking given the subfloor was glued and nailed down. And to make matters worse there is expensive carpet on the floor now. Anyone have ideas?

Another issue she is having, I am thinking partially because of her own fault, is shower caulking failing? I've replaced it twice, the second time with a high grade silicone from my marble guy. I don't know if she is just picking at it or using a really harsh cleaner, but this stuff shouldn't fail like that. I have used the same product at another house and have never had a problem....actually I've done 13 showers and this is the only one with an issue.

Any ideas?

Tinstaafl

I've never used it, but the principle looks good...

Squeeeeek No More kit

Maybe apply a couple of them to her as well?

monticellohomes

"Maybe apply a couple of them to her as well? "

That'd probably be nice, she is turning into a pain....wants a palace but wanted to nickel and dime over the price.

knucklehead

That is crazy. It may not be the subfloor that is squeaking. I have found lots of other causes,such as beam/bost connection, ductwork , joisy rubbing on plumbing or joist hangers. Any movement is a potential problem. Hopefully the basement is not finished. The plate on top of the I-beam will cause trouble too.

monticellohomes

Unfortunately it is a finished basement, so I cannot see it from the bottom. The crazy thing is when she first showed me it was something she literally had to jump and and down on to get it to squeak.

I'll try and see if it is the joist and subfloor and if not got to plan b.

Mike(VA)

Hey, be happy that it is carpet. A good installer can pull it back so you can correct squeaks and can stretch it back. If it was hardwood, you are out of luck. If the squeak is near a wall, it could be the sill making noise if it wasn't nailed properly. Same with a stair base. Also, if the installers butted the t&g subfloor too close, it can squeak at the joints. One spot where the glue didn't reach with one nail that is grazing the joist is all it takes. Sucks to be you chasing all that stuff but we all have been there.

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I EXPECT THAT SOMEDAY I WILL SEE THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR. IS IT SOMEDAY YET?
Clifton, Great Falls, McLean, Fairfax Station, Manassas, Virginia Renovation Contractor

Five Star

i would do the squeak no more first that is a great product, ive used it to keep over 300 homeowners happy thru the nicest carpet.

i was doing customer service for new construction builder.the framer on the job used 1 tube of glue per house the rest he pocketed and returned to lumber yrd for credit on nails.LOL.i was busy guy back then

SQUEAK NO MORE RULES

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greg24k

You just love the "Get Screwed Treatment"

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greg24k

Get a floor kit, called Squeak no more, you will fix any squeak, they work great. Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/OBerry-Squeak-...7249077&sr=8-1

Good luck

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loneframer

I've been called back for squeaks many times, but few were due to nail/glue failure.
1. Metal strap bridging, I refuse to use it now, even if I have to supply 1x3 pine myself. Metal is a liability. Drive in type is OK but I don't trust it.
2. gas pipe running perpendicular to joists, buth drilled and in hangers.
3. central vac hangers under joists.
4. ductwork banging, which I find is worse when metal bridging is used, because it allows flex in joists before load is transferred to adjacent joists.
5. Plumbing, usually hot water, creaking through hangers when the pipe expands.

Good luck in your quest, I actually hope it's a nailing issue for your sanity.

greg24k

I think he said the ceiling in the basement was finished and there is no access, so if screwing through the carpet will not solve the problem. next step would be is cut the ceiling open and see what is going on there, these things can be a pain in the ass.

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DivineGC

Few questions:
- did you put the subfloor/ floor down or was it existing?
- how old is the house?
- if you put the floor down, did you use nails instead of screws?
- did you put the carpet down or sub it out?
- what makes this your responsibility?

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J-Peffer

You did not put it together yet?

She likes to have you over.....has a crush on you.....wants to...

Just give it to the poor lady already! Then she'll quit peeling the caulk off

KennMacMoragh

Does that squeak no more tool work on any style carpet? I wonder if it would work over a looped style carpet like this one

OCRS

Looks like it does

knucklehead

Do you really need that "tool" to do that? Just get a long screw and run it in halfway or so and break it off!

Donegal

The Squeak no more is a great tool for simple problems. First you have to find the squeak. I glue, nail and screew my floors. I use Advantech brand flooring on a 3.5" floor truss surface. The only disadvantage is that the smooth underneath of the product does not hold glue well. That is why I depend upon my floors being screwed down.

I have fixed floor squeaks because of improper floor bracing, plumbing pipes rubbing on a structural member that moves, a nail against wood that is not tight, Gas lines, plumbing lines, etc................. I have fixed a squeak due to the tongue/groove in the subfloor being too tight or too loose.

I also have had a squeak because of movement of the subfloor on a nail between trusses that was shot through a wall plate. I had to cut through the sheetrock wall, screw the plate to the subfloor and repair.

Moral of story,,, no simple fix until you find the problem.

wmallock

first of the tool allows the screw go in at the correct depth to allow for the screw to be hid just breaking off the reg long screw would leave enough someone could step on it

monticellohomes

I did use the squeak no more kit and it worked. I figured I'd try that and then if the squeak continued or does come back then I'll have my carpet guy come pull the carpet and we will take a better look. It's a nice little tool, thanks for the recommendation everyone.

Tinstaafl

Excellent; thanks for the report! Here's hoping it's a lasting fix.