Are Laminate Floors Squeaking Due to Humidity?

Reason for Squeaking

• Laminate flooring is installed using a tongue and groove system. Each plank has a tongue one side, and a groove on the other side, which allows the boards to lock together. Because the planks are so tightly connected, squeaking may occur if the planks expand or contract after installation. Further, if the floor is installed over sub-floor, rather than a concrete slab, the squeaking may be coming from the sub-floor itself instead of the laminate.

Acclimating the Wood

• Before installing the floor, the construction of the entire dwelling must be complete, and the air conditioning system must be installed and functional. The laminate floor material must be allowed to sit in the environment in which it will be installed for at least 72 hours, at which point any expanding or contracting due to the temperature and humidity of the room will occur.

Surrounding Gap

• During the installation process, it is important to leave a 1/2-inch gap around the perimeter of the flooring. This gap, which is covered by quarter-round molding at the conclusion of the installation, allows the floor to expand, should an increase in humidity occur. The room for expansion prevents squeaking from occurring.

Tempurature Control

• To prevent squeaking after the floor is installed, ensure that the temperature in the room is consistent. Ideally, the temperature should be anywhere from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Further the humidity in the room should be contained between 35 percent and 50 percent relative humidity.