In this episode, Igor Patrascu from Simple Flooring Company in Elk Grove Village, Illinois breaks down why floors squeak and creak, how to fix them, and what the repair actually costs in 2026.

Igor explains why that 2 a.m. floorboard creak is not just an annoyance but a diagnostic signal about your home's structural and environmental health. He walks through the anatomy of a floor, why Chicago's extreme seasonal humidity swings are the leading trigger of squeaks, and why poor subfloor preparation is the real villain behind most creaking floors. He also shares practical fixes ranked from the simplest temporary solutions to permanent structural repairs, and explains exactly when to put the tools down and call a professional.

Igor Patrascu is the founder of Simple Flooring Company, a family-owned flooring installation and repair business serving the Chicago metropolitan area. Simple Flooring specializes in hardwood installation and refinishing, luxury vinyl plank, laminate, carpet, and subfloor repair across Chicagoland.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Why wood's hygroscopic nature, combined with Chicago's humidity swings from below 20% in winter to above 70% in summer, is the primary driver of squeaky floors.
• Why poor subfloor preparation by the original installer is the root cause in most cases, and why climate alone just accelerates an existing problem.
• How maintaining indoor humidity between 35% and 55% year-round is the single most effective preventive measure available to homeowners.
• Why powdered graphite and talcum powder work as temporary fixes, why they last only three to twelve months, and why liquid lubricants should never be used on wood floors.
• How wood shims with construction adhesive applied from below can permanently eliminate subfloor-to-joist gaps for the lifetime of the floor.
• How breakaway screws and a stud finder allow homeowners to fix squeaks through carpet without removing a single tile or strip.
• The warning signs that mean DIY is the wrong call: spongy floors, wild flexing underfoot, and squeaks that developed after a plumbing leak or flooding.
• Why professional squeaky floor repair runs between $500 and $1,500, and why standard homeowner's insurance rarely covers seasonal squeaks or gradual settling.

This episode is an audio version of a blog post written by Igor Patrascu. The author of the podcast is Simple Flooring Company.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional flooring or construction advice. Results may vary depending on floor type, subfloor condition, and home structure. Please consult a licensed flooring professional for advice regarding your specific situation.