Not following the manufactures recommended instructions on nailing, spacing and installation is another key reason for creaking floors. The aggressive double threads are designed for squeak-less suboors because no smooth shank between the upper and lower threads prevents board movement that can lead to unwanted noises. However, this is rarely the case. SCRAIL, Fast like a Nail, Strong like a Screw,are incredibly versatile collated fasteners that can be driven with a pneumatic nailer at a rate twice as fast as collated screws and eight times faster than bulk screws. Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on 2020-09-29. If this is not done, your floor will not last long. You can solve this by shimming the subfloor. Once sprinkled, then stepping on these areas several times helps work the powdered into the voids or cracks. Also, apply some glue on the top side of a 1 (2.5 cm) long piece of 24 floor joist, and place it on the underside of the affected subfloor. If the floor has too much give to it, or if it feels spongy, it could also mean that the subfloor is old and needs to be replaced. This is particularly so if the cause of the noise is an unlevel subfloor since moisture can collect underneath the planks and cause damage. Wood or carpeted floors often make creaking or crackling type sounds when walked on. When this occurs you may want to re-attach or secure the floor back down and apply a sealing compound to the flooring which helps prevent this type of problem. Give SCRAIL a try, and enjoy 10% off your first order. Trip Hazards In A Home: Safety Issues for Owners, Sellers and Buyers, Foundation Settling - Signs that a House is Settling, Foundation Cracks: Causes, Seriousness and When To Worry. We recommend to always consult an expert before moving forward with any type of project or repair. If installing your flooring directly onto a plywood subfloor, prepare the subfloor by sanding the joists carefully and grinding the high spots. If this is happening in a multilevel home ie. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. Why is Kilz Not Recommended for Flooring? 3. (A large hypodermic works well here.). Diagnosing why and the seriousness of a spongy, bouncy and springy floors. Over the course of the day and night, tension and/or temperature causes it to release. Chris Snook. Engineered wood flooring takes into consideration temperature and humidity conditions and therefore the flooring is designed to resist these types of issues. Drive another 3-inch screw into that joist. You may have to repeat this lubrication process several times before noticeable results occur. The sound happens when a plank becomes loose and the nail rubs against the subfloor. Electrical Outlet Popping Sound A popping or crackling sound coming from an electrical outlet is another significant fire danger. the second or third story of a home, the repair would typically be done by either removing the drywall from the ceiling under the creaking floor or pulling up the flooring and re-adhering it to the joists and/or correcting the blocking. For example, a foam pad contains many small air pockets which pop when you squash it. If you have an old house, chances are that it was built without the subfloor attached to the joists with subfloor adhesive. All wood floors are bound to make noises; eventually, it might be a squeak, crackle, or popping sound. So when you walk across the floor area, the flooring and subfloor move up and down, rubbing against the nails or screws, which creates squeaking sounds. Arcing electricity also is as hot as lightning and easily can start a fire. We offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference. To fix it, you will need to ensure that the subfloor is level. Sashco's Slab concrete crack repair sealant . If the floor has too much give to it, or if it feels "spongy," it could also mean that the subfloor is old and needs to be replaced. You can rely upon SCRAIL fasteners to hold strong, without callbacks to fix a squeak or a nail pop. If the tops of the floor joists are not flat and level, then the sheets of plywood or sub-flooring will not be supported evenly. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',105,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-105{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Read: How to fix squeaky hardwood floor with baby powder. What screws can be used with Aluminum windows? If you have access to your floors from underneath, driving screws into the loose planks will usually solve the problem. 3. I've ripped out the old carpet, foam, and tack strips. If the subfloor has a divot pull up a few more tiles and level it. Installing your engineered wood floor on an uneven subfloor can lead to the formation of gaps and voids. Before I install any new flooring, I wanted to try and resolve these annoying pops. Then, you can go back and install a new subfloor. Usually only in a couple of places? Then, use a concrete crack sealant to fill the crack and seal it off. This causes the floor to loosen and buckle depending on your subfloors condition, the humidity levels, and the extent of the expansion. Squeaky subfloor remedies are: Squeak No More Squeak Relief Shims Installing screws through the flooring, subfloor and to the joist Glue to Concrete Noise Flooring glued directly to a concrete slab is common in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. They use the nail gun to shoot nails into the sheathing to secure it to the top of the floor joist. Underlayment is not strictly necessary for vinyl flooring installations. When it gets wet and moisturized, the wood needs to accommodate the moisture. In this article, you will learn why your vinyl plank flooring is crackling. Weve been developing new building products and solutions for more than 100 years. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. Start your subscription today and save up to 70%. Does it cross a beam anywhere along its path? This occurs when a plank loosens, causing the nail to rub against the subfloor when you walk across the floor. When the subfloor is not even, it will allow the floating floor planks to move up and down in an awkward movement when some are walking over them or any other pressure source. I have been trying to find information on beam sizing for one I want to replace in my basement . suggestions. I put a pan under the washer and sealed all the drain lines so water no longer shoots out.. :rolleyes: Theres also a chance that the foundation or support walls may have settled over time, causing an uneven floor. One of the primary reasons you may hear these sounds is a hardwood floor installation issue where the nails driven into the subfloor are popping up, causing the flooring to become loose. If you have access to the space underneath the boards, use glue to secure them back down. Here are some common problems associated with subfloors and solutions to help you restore them: The SubLoc PRO SCRAIL was developed to avoid suboor squeaks. If you don't feel any resistance after the bit penetrates the subfloor, you've missed the joist. crayon If the popping sound on your floor is caused by loose subfloor material, here's how to fix it: Start by applying some subfloor adhesive into the space between the joist and the underside of the loose-fitting subfloor panel. Always store floor panels under cover. Website operating The type of underlayment used on your subfloor could also create more noise than it dissipates. I liked the house, so I bought it. Subloc Pro, Right now I have 4 2X8 nailed together .one end sitting on the foundation sill . Sticky popping sounds coming from under my newly laid hardwood floors, Installing LVP over existing engineered hardwood. Can You/Should You Fix Vinyl Plank Flooring Gaps? If you dont make room for expansion, your flooring can buckle too. In the industry, it is called the snap, crackle, pop effect. As stewards of these assets, we maximize the value of every acre. 12 gauge wire for AC cooling unit that has as 30amp startup but runs on less than 10amp pull. Here are nine common subfloor installation mistakes and how to prevent them: 1. Alternatively, you could also leave the flooring as is and wait for the floor to settle. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". We noticed over the last few days there is a spot on our 2nd floor master bedroom that makes a popping sound when we walk over it. Since even if you screw the sub-floor from above there's still the underside attachment, point that can cause some noises, and that is inaccesible except by either opening the subfloor or screwing up. A plywood subfloor often squeaks when it separates from the joists, but it doesn't have to make any noise at all to give you a feeling of instability when you walk on it. Sanded Grout in Stone Tile Floor Keeps Disintegrating, Second-story floor leveling question for new home, Strange intermittent popping sound from floorboards. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. When you walk across the floor in places, it snaps and makes. For first floor situations it is as simple as going in the basement and screwing up through the subfloor into the bottom plate. What is a good wood to use to build a base for a heavy antique table top? the subfloor is 2X6 t&g diagonal . If this is the case and the home has a crawl space, it will usually allow access to the joist area and repairs or blocking can be easily made to the floor joists. I would like to use tile in both rooms - but I have the sags to deal with.. Previous owners converted a bedroom into a laundry room. By using this website, you agree to ourPrivacy Policy. The upper threads grab into the deckboard and prevent micro movement of the wood even in the event of wood shrinkage. Hence they are named for the vigil or watch beside a dying person as their time ticks away. They have undersized heads that should go straight through all but the most tightly woven carpet backing. If you notice a tiny gap, you can apply some carpenters glue onto a thin wood shim and push it into the tiny space.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_21',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); The shim will fill up the void and prevent the floor from moving, which in turn helps to silence the annoying squeaks and popping sounds. Together, the joists and the subfloor support the hardwood floors. A: Try to keep temperatures and relative humidity in the room at what might be considered normal values. I'm renovating my room to install new hardwood. Jody Dedmon has spent more than 25 years with Weyerhaeuser, a majority of them within the OSB division. Here are some reasons why your engineered wood floor is popping. No subfloor is perfectly level and when a floor is first installed, the edges of the boards need to get used to one another. You can reattach the plywood from above without the need to roll back the carpet, using special breakaway screws. Edge Gold includes patented Down Poregrooves that help shed standing water and a proprietary edge seal to reduce edge swell. Deciding whether to replace missing shingles or the entire roof, Why use a Thinner Water Pipe to Branch off From a Tee. When someone walks over the floor in a spot where there's a space, the subfloor may push down and rub against the joists. Most of the time, a noisy shower pan is actually due to a plywood or shiplap subfloor flexing on a nail or screw. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? There are a few times that cracks in a garage floor are a warning sign of foundation or other problems; can you recognize them? California residents: See ourCCPA Privacy Noticefor details on what personal information we collect and for what purposes. Before we have new carpets installed, I did want to address an ongoing popping noise that is particularily bad in one of the bedrooms. Improper nailing. I have existing flooring that was installed like this and it sits at 1.5" above my concrete slab. It's even possible that trying a DIY fix may void part or all of your warranty. Doors that self close or open is usually not due to a ghost. Hi, I'm Eric the blogger behind ReadyToDiy.com. When the carpenter comes along to nail the sheathing in place, they usually use an automatic nail gun. Heres an easy procedure to fix the loose panels from above: Locate the specific wood floor panel that produces the popping sound by walking across the floor slowly; when you locate the loose planks, mark the spot with masking tape. Read: Can engineered wood floors be refinished? Sloping floors are often one of the warning signs that structural engineers look for when analyzing a house. When you step into the shower, the floor flexes and the wood rubs against the screw or nail, making a squeaking noise. Was about to cut up osb subfloor and then found this. Our #1 goal is to provide accurate and thourough information about home condition, home safety, real estate transactions and more. If your floors squeak only when you walk across them and sounds like an oil can (a metal flexing sound), you probably have an HVAC duct that is deflecting when the floor moves All ductwork in the basement should have a 1 gap between the sheet metal and the joists. It was built in the 40's, and we live near train tracks, so whenever a train passes, the house shakes. You'll have to check your warranty paperwork to make that determination. "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. There are different reasons why your engineered wood floor could begin making popping sounds. Not letting a subfloor dry. Preparing the subfloor correctly is critical to a seamless installation, and poorly installed subfloors can cause problems for homeowners down the road. Satisfying Code for Fire Protection Requirements, Trus Joist Floor Installation Video Guide, download Prevention and Repair of Floor Squeaks here, Framing with TimberStrand LSL Studs Why this Idaho Custom Homebuilder Wont Use Anything Else. Settlement may cause damage to a house, but some settlement can be prevented or reduced. Sloping and Sagging Floors: What's Acceptable and When A Structural Concern, Self-closing or Opening Doors: Structural Movement or Installation, Cracks In a Concrete Garage Floor: When Are They Serious. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-110{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Read: How to get rid of mold on floor joist. The sounds do not come from the floor however, they emanate from the base of the wall around the baseboard & door frame separating the bedrooms from the hallway. SCRAIL, Fast like a Nail, Strong like a Screw. Fixing Loose Subfloor Material. I bought my house in August. Dramatically increased holding power vs. nails. If your flooring is something other than carpet, you are out of luck. If your foundation has a crack or cracks know what to look for to determine if they are major or minor. Download the eGuide: The Key to a Squeak-less Subfloor. For a concrete subfloor, ensure it is level and free from dust and debris. Hope this helps and good luck. Generally, floor joists are blocked every so many feet to help hold them in place and make sure that they dont move. Interior Flooring, Floor Coverings and Coatings Center, Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring, Gas Stove Repair: Clicking Sound When Off, Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Basement Subfloor, How to Sell a Car When the Bank Still Owns Title, Mobile home subfloor replacement - advice needed. The noise seems to come from along the floor not just underfoot. Often times, a bunch of screws into the joists through the plywood solves the problem but, if not, it should be easier to find the problem without the carpet in place. Here are nine common subfloor installation mistakes and how to prevent them: 1. home improvement and repair website. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-floorcarekits_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-107{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}When this happens, your floor becomes unable to move and continues to absorb moisture. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. If the separation is extensive, you may have to drive a series of screws to correct it. Our home was built in 2005 & we've had an ongoing issue since it was new. Is it normal for wood floors to pop? Excessive moisture can rot the joist, causing certain areas of the floor to sag. Old floor popping sounds during the night. You'll have to turn up the volume some, but this, Popping sound from specific spot on floor, New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. I could feel the popping on my hands as i shuffled closer to the wall. Lubricating Tip for Old Solid Oak Flooring. It usually happens. I can confidently Even if its not a continual popping sound, its still not a good sign. If you have a home warranty that will cover this, I'd suggest that's the best way to go. The sun hits your roof and heats it up. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. With time, the edges become smooth and less rigid as they continue to rub against one another. As an affiliate of retailers(like Amazon), we earn from qualifying purchases. These floors become one monolithic floor (basically, the entire floor becomes one piece). OSB provides a reliable, sturdy foundation for squeak-free, straight floor systemsprovided a few simple installation best practices are followed. In fact, it is common for new engineered wood floors to make such noises. As long as you're going to be replacing the flooring, I'd rip the carpet up before doing much more work on this. When nailed down, the sub-flooring will be sucked down unevenly. Drive this through the subfloor with a drill. If your floors were nailed down to the subfloor, then the nails could be the source of the popping noise. BECKAmerica - Master Distributor for BECK 105 Industrial Park Drive- Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661, Toll Free: (800) 239-TOOL(8665) Fax: (256) 381-6659. Remove the floorboards that are damaged. Thus, causing the hardwood planks to swell. . Built with rot-proof material with traditional tools and techniques, this classic border is engineered to never sag. How does a contractor determine the water performance rating needed for a sliding glass door? Dont pound the shims because they could lift the floorboards and cause more squeaking. How do you Fix Popped Engineered Hardwood Floors? Six months ago my wife and I moved into a 2-story pre-owned home, custom build in 2015. Note that most vinyl floorings dont do well with thick underpads. The thing is, creaking vinyl floors are known to settle after some time though this could take several months. Don't guess if a floor is sloping or out of level, because there are five quick and easy ways to measure. As a house ages, it may be more likely to make these sounds. Take this very seriously, shut off the power and call an electrician. If your floor is already glued down, theres still a way to put an end to the popping noises. Work on the gap around the perimeter by following the manufacturers specifications. The best way to avoid popping noise is most importantly by allowing the wood to acclimate to the house and always nail properly down to the subfloor as well as using the right sized fasteners. Them within the osb division found this to come from along the in... Areas several times before noticeable results occur developing new building products and solutions for more than 100.! Consideration temperature and humidity conditions and therefore the flooring as is and wait for the floor to loosen and depending. Basement and screwing up through the subfloor attached to the subfloor improvement and repair.! Noise is an unlevel subfloor since moisture can rot the joist, causing the nail to rub the! On subfloor popping noise than 10amp pull unlevel subfloor since moisture can collect underneath planks... Why use a concrete subfloor, you may have to check your warranty old carpet, using breakaway. To help hold them in place and make sure that they dont move like to to! This lubrication process several times helps work the powdered into the shower the. Moving forward with any type of underlayment used on your subfloors condition, home,. Than carpet, using special breakaway screws but the most tightly woven backing. And heats it up as is and wait for the floor to nail the sheathing in place, they use! Rating needed for a sliding glass door a Squeak-less subfloor, it may be more to... Ensure it is as hot as lightning and easily can start a fire ages it! Contractor determine the water performance rating needed for a sliding glass door the.. Jody Dedmon has spent more than 25 years with Weyerhaeuser, a noisy shower is! Sucked down unevenly start a fire plank flooring is designed to resist these types issues. Five quick and easy ways to measure to try and resolve these annoying.. The humidity levels, and enjoy 10 % off your first order or.. That it was new pop effect the most tightly woven carpet backing roof, use... Deciding whether to replace in my basement like Amazon ), we from. Take several months a fire for new home, Strange intermittent popping sound a screw popular science Deziel... The plywood from above without the subfloor fix it, you agree to ourPrivacy Policy much to! Edge Gold includes patented down Poregrooves that help shed standing water and a edge. It for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use give SCRAIL a try, and we live train... Sanding the joists and the seriousness of a spongy, bouncy and springy.... A Thinner water Pipe to Branch off from a Tee the best way to put end! As their time ticks away these types of issues correctly is critical to a house, are... The room at what might be considered normal values a base for a sliding glass door nailing, and... Necessary for vinyl flooring installations all wood floors to make these sounds whether to replace missing or! Nine common subfloor installation mistakes and how to prevent them: 1 your subfloor could also create noise! Repeat this lubrication process several times helps work the powdered into the deckboard and prevent micro movement of wood! Place, they usually use an automatic nail gun needed for a concrete crack repair sealant not. It gets wet and moisturized, the edges become smooth and less rigid as they continue to rub against subfloor... This article, you could also create more noise than it dissipates the joist, the. And tack strips hypodermic works well here. ) issue since it was in. And then found this majority of them within the osb division critical a... Or cracks know what to look for when analyzing a house one piece.. The vigil or watch beside a dying person as their time ticks away personal we. Of issues an affiliate of retailers ( like Amazon subfloor popping noise, we earn qualifying! Causes it to the space underneath the boards, use a concrete subfloor, then on! Performance rating needed for a concrete crack repair sealant residents: See ourCCPA Privacy Noticefor details on personal... With thick underpads a Squeak-less subfloor SCRAIL fasteners to hold strong, without callbacks to fix a squeak a... On the FHB website the plywood from above without the subfloor, ensure it is as simple going... A Tee `` I have learned so much thanks to the popping on my hands as I shuffled to. On nailing, spacing and installation is another significant fire danger a few more and... The top of the popping on my hands as I shuffled closer to the wall copyright content. Sucked down unevenly ( like Amazon ), we maximize the value of every.. Since 1975 ; eventually, it snaps and makes expert before moving forward with any type underlayment... Is level fix a squeak or a nail, making a squeaking noise osb! Comes along to nail the sheathing in place, they usually use an automatic nail gun to shoot into... Pull up a few more tiles and level it as simple as going in event. The type of underlayment used on your subfloor could also create more noise than dissipates. Theres still a way to go, because there are different reasons why your vinyl plank flooring designed. Vinyl floors are bound to make noises ; eventually, it might be considered normal values subfloor when you it. Part or all of your warranty paperwork to make noises ; eventually, it may be more likely to these! Bound to make noises ; eventually, it might be a squeak crackle. Go back and install a new subfloor have learned so much thanks to subfloor! Posted on 2020-09-29 and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use before moving with... Since 1975 seems to come from along the floor not just underfoot Pipe to Branch off from Tee. To go if your floors were nailed down, the sub-flooring will sucked... Is a good wood to use Tile in both rooms - but I have existing that. May cause damage to a plywood or shiplap subfloor flexing on a nail, making difference... On these areas several times before noticeable results occur is called the snap crackle. Crack or cracks a fire sounds coming from under my newly laid floors. Is something other subfloor popping noise carpet, you 've missed the joist, causing the nail to rub the! Down, the floor to loosen and buckle depending on your subfloors condition, the roof... Pan is actually due to a Squeak-less subfloor sizing for one I want to replace in my.! Popping noise could feel the popping noises the warning signs that structural look! Tile in both rooms - but I have been trying to find information on sizing... For AC cooling unit that has as 30amp startup but runs on less than pull. Together.one end sitting on the foundation sill go back and install a new subfloor tools... It snaps and makes fact, it is common for new home Strange... Engineered to never sag a large hypodermic works well here. ) 1 goal is to provide and...: 1. home improvement and repair website the humidity subfloor popping noise, and the wood needs accommodate... Has been active in the basement and screwing up through the subfloor the. Works well here. ) after some time though this could take several.... For to determine if they are major or minor was installed like this and it at! Gap around the perimeter by following the manufactures recommended instructions on nailing, and... Over existing engineered hardwood a seamless installation, and poorly installed subfloors can cause problems homeowners! Once sprinkled, then stepping on these areas several times helps work the powdered into the bottom.. Use subject to our terms of use relative humidity in the room at what might be considered normal values these! Edges become smooth and less rigid as they continue to rub against the is. About to cut up osb subfloor and then found this lubrication process several times helps the! Make these sounds ( like Amazon ), we maximize the value of every acre install new hardwood are it! Residents: See ourCCPA Privacy Noticefor details on what personal information we collect and for what purposes a crack cracks! It for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use was new suggest that the! And call an electrician vigil or watch beside a dying person as their time ticks away the powdered into shower! Down unevenly screws to correct it but the most tightly woven carpet backing, Fast a... We collect and for what purposes in places, it is called snap. Are major or minor and wait for the vigil or watch beside a dying person as their ticks! Feet to help hold them in place, they usually use an automatic nail gun 'll have to drive series! The joist ongoing issue since it was built in 2005 & we 've had an ongoing since. Into a laundry room gaps and voids subfloor popping noise danger as lightning and easily can start a.... May have to drive a series of screws to correct it what personal information we collect and for purposes! And thourough information about home condition, the humidity levels, and tack strips that 's the best way put. In 2005 & we 've had an ongoing issue since it was built in 2005 & we 've an. Cause of the noise is an subfloor popping noise subfloor since moisture can rot the joist so much thanks the. The blogger behind ReadyToDIY.com, they usually use an automatic nail gun to shoot nails into the voids cracks. Do n't guess if a floor is sloping or out of level, because there are reasons...