Moving into a brand-new home should be an exciting experience, but if you notice that your new house floors creak and pop, it can be frustrating. No one expects a new floor to sound like an old, worn-out one, yet many homeowners face this issue.
Floor noises in a new home can happen for several reasons, including temperature changes, material expansion, improper installation, or subfloor movement. The good news is that most causes of creaky or popping floors can be fixed with the right approach.
In this guide, we will discuss why new floors creak and pop, what factors contribute to the issue, and how to fix the problem to ensure a quiet and comfortable living space.
Why Do New Floors Creak and Pop?
A brand-new floor shouldn’t make excessive noise, but if it does, here are the most common reasons:
1. Seasonal Expansion and Contraction
Wood and laminate floors naturally expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. This movement can cause gaps, misalignment, and creaking sounds when you step on the floor.
✔ Humidity causes wood to expand
✔ Dry air makes wood contract, creating small spaces
✔ Proper acclimatization before installation can help prevent this issue
2. Subfloor Issues
The subfloor is the layer beneath your flooring that provides support. If it is not secured properly, it can lead to squeaks and popping sounds.
✔ A loose subfloor can move slightly when pressure is applied
✔ Gaps between the subfloor and floorboards create air pockets that lead to noise
✔ Nails or screws that are too far apart may not hold the subfloor securely
3. Improper Installation
If the flooring wasn’t installed correctly, it may shift or flex when weight is applied.
✔ If nails or staples are not properly fastened, the floorboards may move
✔ Floating floors that aren’t locked in place properly can rub against each other
✔ Uneven subflooring can cause unstable floor sections
4. Poor Underlayment
The underlayment is a thin layer between the subfloor and the visible flooring. If the wrong type of underlayment is used or it is too thin, it can lead to creaks and pops.
✔ Some underlayments are too rigid, causing friction between the floor and subfloor
✔ Foam or felt underlayments can help absorb movement
✔ A lack of underlayment can make floating floors noisy
5. Loose or Shifting Floorboards
If individual floorboards are not properly secured, they may shift when walked on, leading to unwanted noise.
✔ Wood floorboards may loosen over time, especially in dry conditions
✔ Laminate floors can develop gaps if the locking mechanism isn’t engaged correctly
✔ Floating floors need proper spacing to allow for movement without excessive noise
6. Fasteners Are Too Tight or Too Loose
If nails or screws are too tight, they can cause the wood to split, leading to popping noises. On the other hand, if they are too loose, they can allow movement.
✔ Proper spacing and fastening techniques prevent excess movement
✔ If nails pop out slightly, they can cause cracking and creaking sounds
✔ Using screws instead of nails can help secure the subfloor more effectively
How to Fix Creaky and Popping Floors in a New House
If your new house floors creak and pop, there are several ways to fix the issue, depending on the cause. Here are the best solutions:
1. Secure the Subfloor
If the subfloor is loose or shifting, securing it can eliminate noise.
✔ If possible, access the subfloor from below (such as a basement or crawl space)
✔ Use screws instead of nails to secure the subfloor more effectively
✔ Apply construction adhesive between the subfloor and joists for added stability
2. Add More Fasteners
If nails or screws are too far apart, adding more can help stabilize the floor.
✔ Drive wood screws into the floor joists to prevent movement
✔ If your floor is already installed, consider drilling pilot holes before adding screws
✔ Be careful not to over-tighten, which could damage the flooring
3. Use Lubrication to Reduce Friction
If wood planks or laminate boards are rubbing together, lubrication can help minimize noise.
✔ Sprinkle powdered graphite or talcum powder between the floorboards
✔ Use a dry lubricant spray for wood floors to reduce friction
✔ Gently walk over the floor to allow the lubricant to settle in
4. Fix Floating Floors That Move Too Much
Floating floors (such as laminate or engineered wood) can sometimes shift, leading to creaking noises.
✔ Ensure that expansion gaps are left around the edges
✔ If the floor is shifting too much, adding weight or securing the planks can help
✔ Use silicone caulk in small gaps to reduce movement
5. Reinforce Floor Joists
If your home has a basement or crawl space, reinforcing the joists can eliminate floor movement.
✔ Install blocking or cross-bracing between joists for extra support
✔ Use joist hangers to keep the structure firm
✔ Apply adhesive where the joists meet the subfloor to prevent movement
6. Use Carpet or Rugs for Temporary Relief
If you need a quick and temporary fix, adding carpet or rugs can help dampen sound.
✔ Placing area rugs over noisy spots can help reduce creaking
✔ Using padding underneath the carpet can absorb pressure and noise
✔ While this won’t fix the issue completely, it minimizes the disturbance
Preventing Future Floor Noise
To ensure your new floors remain quiet, follow these preventative measures:
✔ Acclimate flooring materials before installation to allow them to adjust to humidity
✔ Hire professional installers to ensure proper fastening and spacing
✔ Use high-quality underlayment for better noise reduction
✔ Seal gaps early to prevent movement over time
✔ Check humidity levels in your home to prevent excessive expansion and contraction
When to Call a Professional
If you have tried multiple solutions and your new floors still creak and pop, it may be time to call in a professional. A flooring expert or contractor can:
✔ Inspect the subfloor for improper installation or material defects
✔ Determine if the floor joists need reinforcement
✔ Suggest advanced fixes, such as reinstalling problem areas
If the issue is related to the installation process, you may also want to contact the builder or flooring company for warranty assistance.
Creaky and popping floors in a new house can be frustrating, but in most cases, the problem is fixable. The noise is often caused by subfloor movement, seasonal changes, loose boards, or improper installation.
By taking steps to secure the subfloor, lubricate floorboards, and reinforce joists, you can significantly reduce noise. With proper care and maintenance, your floors can remain quiet, sturdy, and comfortable for years to come.