I have old hardwood floors upstairs that creak so badly?
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Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs on Nov 12, 2011Patricia, It's time to call some Pro's over they will not only fix the creaks but also sand and stain your hardwoods, it's really worth it since you have a bad back.Helpful Reply
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Kimberly Lacy on Nov 12, 2011Hello Patricia! Because of your back here are some relatively pain free options. It's possible that the floorboards are rubbing against each other. If so, you can lubricate between boards. Spread talcum powder along the seam where the boards are rubbing, then step on the boards to work the powder into the seam. Another method uses powdered graphite instead of talcum powder. Just like the talcum powder spread the graphite along the seam, then cover with cloth or paper towel and step on the boards to work into the seams. Be sure to vacuum up the residue; powdered graphite is pretty messy compared to talcum powder.Helpful Reply
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Patricia M on Nov 16, 2011need some time :) but thank you so much !!Helpful Reply
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Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Nov 17, 2011Use corn starch on them. That will lessen some of the squeaks as the powder acts as a lubricant.Helpful Reply
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Patricia M on Nov 19, 2011I tried an area that was esp. noisy with the talc. It works !!! I worked in several layers as you said, Kimberly. I'm going to work on other areas as I can. Is there any diff in the talc and the corn starch? Also, once its worked its way into the crevices, can I use a light 'wax' or something to give it its shine back? I thank you all for your answers. I cannot afford the pros--lol, or I'd def be calling them in !! But, I get to ask you and you are PROS....Helpful Reply
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Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Nov 19, 2011Talc and corn starch works the same. Glad it worked for you.Helpful Reply
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Melinda K on Nov 19, 2011Wow, I never knew talc or cornstarch would help creaky wood floors...good to know!Helpful Reply
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Patricia M on Nov 19, 2011Well on its way :) Thank you !!Helpful Reply
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Harold M on Nov 20, 2011Depending on the age of the house, a creaking floor can be just part of the "charm" While corn starch and talc powder will help, it also can get messy. Wood, even after it is cut and kiln dried can expand and contract and moves around. I have fond memories of my house and grandparents house that the floors creaked when you walked on them. Enjoy your homeHelpful Reply
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Nichter's Home Services Corp on Nov 20, 2011Talc is an inert mineral, but corn starch comes from a vegetable. Guess which one insects might enjoy! Now guess which one I want to use in my house.Helpful Reply
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Patricia M on Nov 20, 2011Glad I chose the talc !! Also, Harold, I don't mind the comfy sounds that creak in most places; just wanted to get the 'doorways' quieted down. They are the worst anyway. When someone gets up to use the bathroom during the night... :-) the whole household doesn't need to know !!Helpful Reply
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Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com on Nov 20, 2011Nichter is right but I would not be worried about bugs. The vegetable base in the corn starch tends to last longer in noise prevention then does the talc. But it sounds as though its working for you.Helpful Reply
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