Squeaky floorboard fix in Exeter
Professional squeaky floorboard fix services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
15-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Squeaky floorboard fixed and secured properly. Silent floors restored - no more creaking that announces every movement.
When You Can't Sneak Anywhere In Your Own House
That creaking floorboard on the landing that makes stealth impossible? Or the bedroom floor that sounds like a horror film soundtrack every time you get up in the night?
Squeaky floorboards are one of those annoyances you live with for years, assuming they're just part of having an old house.
💡 Pro tip: Squeaky floorboards aren't a sign of character - they're a sign of loose boards that need securing. Takes 15 minutes to fix and you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago.
Why Professional Fixing Works
| ✅ Done Properly | ❌ DIY Attempt |
|---|---|
| Joist located accurately | Screw misses joist, doesn't help |
| Right length screw used | Too short (doesn't hold) or too long (punctures pipe) |
| Board secured without splitting | Force it and crack the board |
| Tested under weight before leaving | Hope it's fixed, still squeaks |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Locate | Work out which board is squeaking and where the joist is |
| Secure | Screw loose board firmly to joist underneath |
| Test | Walk on it, jump on it - make sure it's silent |
| Finish | Countersunk screws flush with surface |
📦 You're Left With
- Silent floorboards
- Properly secured to joists
- No visible damage
- Peace and quiet when walking
Pricing Guide
| Issue Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single squeaky board | 15 mins | £60 |
| Multiple squeaks in one room | 30 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Includes locating joists, securing boards, and testing.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Annoying daily creaking - every time you walk past
✅ Trying to be quiet at night - can't move without waking everyone
✅ Period property - old joists and loose nails
✅ Multiple squeaky spots - get them all done together
Why Choose Us for Squeaky floorboard fix in Exeter?
Board properly secured to joists
Silent walking guaranteed
No damage to surrounding floor
Tested before leaving
What to Expect
Step 1: Find The Problem
Walk around while I listen to identify exactly which boards are squeaking and where. Tap to find the joists underneath.
Step 2: Secure The Board
Drive screws through the board into the joist underneath. Usually takes 2-3 screws per squeaky spot to hold it firm.
Step 3: Test It's Fixed
Walk on it, jump on it, put my weight on it properly. If there's still any movement or noise, I'll secure it better until it's completely silent.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is doable yourself if you know what you're doing:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill/driver
- 50-60mm wood screws (countersunk)
- Stud finder or detector (to find joists)
- Pilot drill bit
🔨 The process
- Find which boards are squeaking (walk around listening)
- Locate the joists underneath (tap along the board - sounds different when you hit solid joist)
- Drill pilot holes through board into joist
- Drive countersunk screws firmly down
- Test by walking on it
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Missing the joist (screw goes into thin air, doesn't help)
- Screws too long (puncture pipes or cables underneath)
- Not using pilot holes (split the board)
- Screwing between joists (does nothing)
- Giving up after one screw (usually need 2-3)
💡 Pro trick: Talcum powder worked into the gaps between boards can temporarily quieten creaks from boards rubbing together. Proper fix is still screwing down though.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎯 Multiple squeaks? Do them all in one visit. Once I've found where your joists run, I can do the whole landing or bedroom in half an hour.
Chipboard floors? These need a different approach - tongue and groove chipboard squeaks when the tongues break. Can usually still be screwed down but might need glue as well.
Older Exeter properties? Victorian and Edwardian houses often have squeaky floors because the joists have dried and shrunk over 100+ years, letting nails work loose. Very normal, very fixable.
Underfloor heating or pipes? I'll check for services before drilling. Last thing you want is a screw through a heating pipe. If there's lots underneath I might suggest screwing from below if there's access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes floorboards squeak?
Usually boards moving against nails or each other. The nails work loose over time (especially in old houses where joists have dried and shrunk), so when you step on the board it flexes and rubs - that's the squeak you hear.
Can you fix it without lifting the floorboards?
Usually yes. Most squeaks can be fixed from above by screwing the loose board down to the joist. Only if there's something actually broken do I need to lift boards. I'll always try the simple fix first.
Will screwing it down damage my floor?
Not if it's done properly. I use countersunk screws that sit flush with the surface, or if you're worried about the finish, I can screw from underneath if there's access. Can't see them once they're in.
My whole landing creaks - how much will that cost?
Still same price if I can do it within the hour. Multiple squeaky spots aren't a problem - once I've found where the joists are, I can secure several boards in one visit.
Will the squeak definitely be gone?
If I can get the board firmly secured to a joist, yes. Sometimes squeaks come from boards rubbing against each other or pipework underneath - those need different approaches. I'll work out what's causing yours and fix it properly.
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