What the best way to stop floorboards squeeking

[tudorsailor]

Some of the sole boards of my 2001 yacht now squeak when stepped upon. What should I put in the boards to stop them squeaking?
Thanks

TudorSailor

 

[Jamesuk]

I put rubber strips of felt and spacers between the floor boards

 

[pvb]

They usually squeak because of the edges rubbing, so you might need to "ease" the edges with some careful sanding. Putting some foam draughtproofing strip on the bearers can help.

One thing I can certainly caution against is any temptation to bed the board on silicone sealant. I did this in desperation to cure a squeak on one floor panel in my old HR, and it took me 15 years to find a way to get the board up again!

 

[Daydream believer]

Are they screwed down properly or are they loose?
Does make a difference

 

[Tranona]

Two main causes are boards moving because they are warped or unevenly supported or adjacent boards are touching. Solutions are different. Remove the unevenness or widen the gap between boards. Using candle wax on the edges of adjacent boards can help with the second cause.

 

[DavidMcMullan]

Try rubbing the edges with candle wax.

 

[Robin B]

Talcum powder around the edges

 

[Barbican]

Some of the sole boards of my 2001 yacht now squeak when stepped upon. What should I put in the boards to stop them squeaking?
Thanks

TudorSailor

Self adhesive neoprene tape. This stuff was installed on the underside perimeter of our floor boards when the boat was built. No squeaking at all. There is nothing between the boards, so I guess they don't rub but weirdly there is little or no gap. We put some on the slats on a wooden sleigh bed at home, and it completely cured that problem as well.

 

[Binman]

If it's safe to do so depending what is underneath, try and mark where the noise is and pass a hacksaw blade between,you could use a pad saw, only insert to depth of board,holding saw at 45 degree, not knowing what finish is on the boards only do above if your happy. Wood oils will help,all presuming you are treating them in situ.

 

[elton]

Talcum powder around the edges

I've been assured sprinkling talcum powder under the carpet will eventually stop the squeaking, as it finds its way between the floorboards. But I've never tried it.

 

[laika]

Relocate the mice

 

[VicS]

Screw 'em down more thoroughly.. More screws!

 

[Tranona]

Screw 'em down more thoroughly.. More screws!

What? The mice or the floorboards?

 

[Daydream believer]

I've been assured sprinkling talcum powder under the carpet will eventually stop the squeaking, as it finds its way between the floorboards. But I've never tried it.

Seemed to work on the cheeks of the mother in laws B..m so it may do the trick

 

[coopec]

I have to secure the floorboards somehow in the event of a knockdown but I'm reluctant to use screws in the case of an emergency

Maybe this is the way to go?
http://www.ebay.com.au/bhp/dzus-fasteners

 

[Malabarista]

+1 for the talcum powder. We use it on most build projects ( house) definately works.

 

[jac]

+1 for the talcum powder. We use it on most build projects ( house) definately works.

And even if it doesn't, it will make the place smell nice.

 

[matt1]

Candlewax worked very well on mine. Need to renew it every couple of years

 

[ostra4]

Ours squeaked a fair bit and as above a roll of self adhesive neoprene tape sorted things with very little effort and a t less than a fiver from amazon , comes in different widths and thicknesses .No more creeping round when others are asleep -

 

[Giblets]

Too much talc could leave a sticky mess when damp. As said candle wax or beeswax is good (and also works very well on sticky drawer runners too :encouragement.