You’re walking across the living room when that familiar squeak breaks the silence again. Maybe it’s in the hallway, the bedroom, or right under the couch. Over time, those squeaky patches can go from mildly irritating to completely disruptive.
The catch? You’ve got carpet. So while the noise is coming from the floorboards underneath, the source isn’t immediately visible.
If you’re in Auckland and dealing with mystery squeaks under your carpet, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore why it happens, what it means, and what you can do about it without necessarily ripping everything up and starting from scratch.
Why Do Floors Squeak Under Carpet?
Squeaky floors are typically a result of movement between two surfaces rubbing together. In carpeted homes, the noise usually comes from:
- Subfloor movement
- Loose nails or fasteners
- Timber shrinkage or expansion
- Gaps between the subfloor and joists
Let’s look at each in more detail.
1. Subfloor Movement Over Time
Most homes in Auckland have either timber subfloors or particleboard over joists. Over time, these materials can shift slightly due to:
- Natural settling of the house
- Moisture changes (especially during wet seasons)
- Foot traffic and weight from furniture
If a section of the subfloor is no longer sitting flush with the joists beneath, stepping on it causes movement—and that’s where the squeak begins.
2. Loose Nails or Screws
Back in the day, subfloors were often nailed into place. Over time, nails can loosen or pop up slightly, especially if the floor has seen decades of use. When the subfloor moves against the nail or rubs against the timber joist, it makes that telltale squeak.
Modern homes often use screws or glue instead, which helps reduce this problem—but if your home is older, nails are a likely culprit.
3. Timber Shrinkage or Expansion
Timber is a natural material that responds to temperature and humidity. In summer, boards expand. In winter, they shrink. These small movements can:
- Create gaps between timber and joists
- Cause floorboards to rub together
- Pull nails loose or cause movement at joins
This process is perfectly normal, but over time it adds up to an increasingly noisy floor.
4. Subfloor Detachment or Water Damage
In some cases, water leaks or moisture in the underfloor space can cause swelling or deterioration in the subflooring material. This can lead to:
- Uneven support
- Increased flex when walked on
- Squeaking from warped panels
If you’ve had past water issues or plumbing work done, it’s worth checking this as a possible cause.
Can Carpet Itself Cause Squeaks?
Not usually. The carpet and underlay might muffle the sound slightly, but the squeak is almost always coming from the timber or flooring structure underneath.
That said, improperly installed underlay or loose carpet can sometimes make noises that sound like squeaks—but they tend to be more of a rustle or crunch than the classic wood-on-wood creak.
How Do We Fix Squeaky Floors Under Carpet?
At Carpet Surgeon, we approach squeaky floor repairs systematically. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
1. Lift the Carpet (Carefully)
We start by pulling back the carpet and underlay in the affected area. This is done carefully to avoid damaging the fibres or edges, so we can re-install it smoothly after the work is complete.
2. Inspect the Subfloor and Joists
We look for loose nails, lifted panels, or gaps between the subfloor and joists. We also check for any water damage or warped sections.
3. Secure Loose Areas
Depending on the issue, we may:
- Add screws to hold panels more securely to the joists
- Replace or supplement old nails
- Apply adhesives to eliminate movement
- Use shims or fillers to close gaps
4. Re-install the Carpet
Once the floor is quiet again, we re-lay the underlay and carpet, stretching and securing it so it’s smooth and tight.
Our squeaky floor repairs are designed to be minimally invasive. In most cases, we only need to lift and access a small section of carpet to treat the problem.
Can You Just Live With the Noise?
Technically, yes. A squeaky floor isn’t a structural concern in most cases—but it can drive you mad over time. Plus:
- It can affect sleep if it’s near a bedroom
- It’s noticeable during quiet moments (like late at night)
- It might spook pets or babies
- It reduces the sense of quality in your home
In rental properties, repeated complaints from tenants might even require addressing the issue for comfort and value’s sake.
What About Squeaky Stairs?
Squeaky stairs are another common problem—and one we can also address. The process is slightly different, but the goal is the same: eliminate movement between treads and risers, or re-fasten loose areas using adhesives, screws, or brackets.
If your stairwell creaks every time someone goes up or down, we can assess that too.
Final Thoughts
Squeaky floors under carpet might not be dangerous—but they’re certainly annoying. Whether it’s one creaky corner or a hallway that sounds like a haunted house, you don’t have to put up with it.
At Carpet Surgeon, we specialise in fixing squeaky floors without the need to replace your carpet. It’s quick, clean, and often far more affordable than you’d think.
So if you’re tired of the noise every time someone walks across the room, give us a call. We’ll get to the root of the issue and leave you with flooring that feels and sounds as good as new.
