Noise in Locking Hardwood Flooring

Underlayment

• All locking hardwood floors usually make some noises when they are walked on. Because the floors are not attached to the subfloor, the two surfaces rub together, creating friction and noise. An underlayment was probably installed under your locking hardwood floor, but depending on its quality, it may not provide complete sound absorption. Cork or thick foam underlayments are more effective at reducing noise than thin foam pads. Locking hardwood floors are not difficult to disassemble, so you could lift up the floor and install a new underlayment.

Improper Subfloor Preparation

• If you're hearing popping noises even when no one is walking on the floor, the subfloor may not have been prepared adequately. Before laying a locking hardwood floor over a concrete slab, the contractor should have tested the concrete for moisture content to ensure that the floor was fully cured. If the subfloor's moisture level is too high, the flooring will expand and warp, making popping and snapping noises. If left untreated, the floor may eventually decay.

Inadequate Expansion Zones

• Locking hardwood floors naturally expand and contract in response to seasonal changes and fluctuating humidity levels. Manufacturers typically recommend an expansion zone, or space, between the wall and the wood floors of at least one inch to allow for this expansion. Remove a baseboard and check to see that there is some room between the wall and the edge of the wood flooring. Locking wood floors will snap and crack if given inadequate room for expansion. Over time, they can become warped or cupped. Remove the flooring and replace it, if necessary, allowing adequate room near the walls.

Considerations

• If you've determined that the noises are caused by high moisture content or lack of expansion zones, fix the floors as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage. Follow all manufacturer's guidelines if you make the repairs yourself. If hiring a contractor, ask for references and select a contractor that has a lot of experience in wood floor installation.