How to Reduce Floor Squeaks for Tile Floors

Floor squeaks most commonly occur when the subfloor has come loose from the floor joists. When you walk on that spot, the subflooring rubs against the nails or joists, making the squeaking noise. In tiled floors, the squeaky spot will sometimes be raised because the nail has come loose and is protruding into the floor above. If this is the case, you can correct the problem without removing the tiles. If not, you will need to remove the grout or tiles to reach the problem areas.

Cardboard
3/16-inch drift punch
Hammer
Grout saw
Electric drill
Wood screw
Grout
Bucket
Grout float

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the raised area with a piece of cardboard. Lower a drift punch onto the cardboard, centering it over the highest raised point.
- 2
  Hold the punch in one hand and the hammer in the other hand. Hammer the end of the drift punch lightly until you drive the nail back into the joist and the floor settles. If this does not work, you will need to remove the grout or tile.
- 3
  Scrape out one side of the grout with a grout saw. This may expose the squeaky area. If not, remove the grout on the other three sides of the tile and pull the tile out of the floor.
- 4
  Drill a pilot hole through the subfloor and into the joist. If you are drilling between tiles and in a grout gap, use a small enough drill bit to fit between the tiles.
- 5
  Insert a wood screw into the pilot hole and drill it into place. Replace the tile. Mix grout in a bucket according to the package directions and use a grout float to apply the grout to the seams around the tile. Let the grout dry.

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