Tools & materials
- Stud finder
- Squeak repair kit (break-off screws)
- Drill
- Wood shims and wood glue (if working from below)
- Talcum powder
Step by step
- Step 1
Walk the floor to find the exact squeak and mark it with tape.
- Step 2
For hardwood, sprinkle talcum powder into the seams and work it in. It often quiets minor squeaks.
- Step 3
From below (if the joists are exposed), tap a glued shim into the gap between the joist and subfloor.
- Step 4
From above, find the joist and drive a squeak-repair screw through the carpet or floor into it. Snap off the head per the kit.
- Step 5
Walk the area again and add a second screw if needed.
When to stop and call ProFix
If you see any of these, stop and call us:
- The floor feels soft, bouncy or sags
- There's water damage or staining
- Large areas squeak (subfloor issue)
- The flooring is tile or stone
Not in the mood to DIY? A ProFix pro can handle it for you in Chicago Metro and Dallas–Fort Worth, with a written price before work starts.
Related guides
These guides are general information for simple repairs. You're responsible for your own safety and for following local codes and your lease or HOA rules. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional. All DIY guides