This is a hammer: Can hardwood floor take the heat?

THIS IS A HAMMER

Q: During the heating season, I notice that my wooden floors creak a lot. I presume it’s because the artificial heat draws moisture from the wood. Is there any way to prevent this from happening? I fear it might weaken the structure of the house. — Jim M., Quincy, Mass.

A: One of the reasons that wood remains a primary material in house construction is its ability to adjust to temperature and moisture changes without breaking down. A hardwood floor can, with proper care, last a century or more.

That’s why squeaking alone should not be a cause for extensive worry. Wood expands in hot weather and contracts in cold, expands in moist conditions and contracts in low humidity. And each time it adjusts, squeaks and little pops can be heard, especially when walking across the floorboards.

However, squeaky floors are annoying — especially when your spouse knows you’re on a diet and can hear you sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack. To minimize the noise in winter, run a humidifier in the house (be sure it will not leak onto the wood floors). Floorboards that continue to squeak when walked upon can be silenced by rubbing talcum powder between the boards.

If a squeaky floor also shows signs of deterioration or damage, more extensive inspection and repair is probably needed. A squeaky floorboard that has a lot of ‘give’ when walked upon ( 1/8 to 1/4 inch) needs attention.

At the board’s squeakiest point, drill two pilot holes, one on each edge of the board (but about 1/4 inch inward to keep the wood from splitting) and drive a finishing nail into each. Countersink the nails by placing a flathead screwdriver against the top of each nail and tapping the screwdriver downward with the hammer until the nail head is just below the surface of the wood. Cover with matching wood putty.

HOME TIP: Avoid excessive use of hard soaps and water when cleaning hardwood floors; frequent sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping will keep floors at their best.