Hi tmac1002,
Thank you for an interesting question.
http://www.naylorwoodfloors.com/care.php
"All wood flooring will experience some shrinkage and expansion. This
can result in cracks between boards and creaking. Talcum powder can
minimize the squeaks and keeping your home at a constant level of
humidity will help minimize gapping. If these problems are serious,
contact a flooring professional to ascertain that you don't have an
undetected water leak or other moisture problem."
Here are the scientific basics of why this happens:
"WOOD is an hygroscopic material. When exposed to air it will dry or pick up
moisture until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the air.
MOISTURE absorption causes wood to swell.
MOISTURE loss causes wood to shrink.
SHRINKAGE begins at 25-30% moisture content, the fiber saturation point.
Shrinkage continues to 0% moisture content, an oven dry state.
SWELLING occurs as wood gains moisture. Swelling occurs from 0% to 25-30%
moisture content, the fiber saturation point.
WOOD does not shrink or swell equally in all directions."
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http://www.handymanwire.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=117398&page=12&view=collapsed&sb=1&o=&fpart=1
"You can try dusting talcum powder on the top of the floor. Sweep it
back and forth so it gets into the cracks. When through, the talcum
powder should not be visible, or sweep it up if it is. That may stop
the squeeking."
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http://216.239.63.104/search?q=cache:U7lGZ4TH-QAJ:www.diydoctor.org.uk/floorproject/floor.htm+hardwood+floors+creaking&hl=en
To stop wooden floors from creaking, use baby powder or talcum powder
in the cracks.
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I'm posting this link for you, just in case it's a more serious problem.
CREAKING FLOORS, FLOORBOARDS AND STAIRS
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/floorproject/floor.htm
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Hardwood Floors 101 by Mary Ellen Pinkham - 4 pages
http://www.ivillage.com/home/experts/clean/articles/0,,167081_654829,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2
Click Next:
Taking the Next Step:
Cleaning Surface-Sealed Floors
Cleaning Other Wood Floor Types
3 Secrets to Immaculate Wood Floors
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search: personal knowledge of using talcum powder for a cure
keyword search:
hardwood floors creaking
stop creaking hardwood floor
prevent creaking hardwood floor
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Best regards,
tlspiegel |
