I'll start with: I searched both Google and this sub, and I've read just about everything I could find.

My problem being - Most posts here talk about subfloor, and joists access, and replacing screws with nails.

I live on the 14th floor of a somewhat old building. There's hardwood (or plywood, I'm not even sure) all across the apartment, minus kitchen and bathrooms.

I don't own the place and landlord won't do much.

Is there anything I can do?

I'm very DIYable, I tried talc powder and it didn't help one bit.

Also, I'm not quite sure if it's squeaking or more like crackling kind of sound. No idea what's underneath the wood layer.

I am wiling to invest money into it, but obviously not change the entire flooring etc.

Ideas would be welcome!

Comments

cavegoatlove t1_iyfbcz5 wrote on November 30, 2022 at 11:34 PM

Rugs

NTheory39693 t1_iyfa3oe wrote on November 30, 2022 at 11:25 PM

countersink screws where you find squeeks....then fill in with matching wood putty, sand and apply some clear sealer

NTheory39693 t1_iyfa7m4 wrote on November 30, 2022 at 11:25 PM

screws should be long enough to go through the wood into the subfloor

Marineray OP t1_iyfaqhg wrote on November 30, 2022 at 11:29 PM

Thanks!
Does this apply also if the floor doesn't have any screws/nails visible?

Simply screw it down, fill with putty and seal?

Also, yeah, 99% of my apartment squeaks. Some worse, some less.

Drone30389 t1_iyfca6k wrote on November 30, 2022 at 11:41 PM

Hardwood floors are usually nailed in at an angle from the side so the nails aren't visible on the finished floor. That's not possible with an existing floor though.

There are special screws with snap-off heads so the hole/patch will be much less visible: https://www.squeakyfloor.com/counter-snap-floor-repair-kit/

Or you can just get deck screws with very small countersunk heads.