How to fix a squeaky floor (with carpet) on the second floor of a townhouse?

[Help-DIY]

Our townhouse has a few areas on the second storey that are squeaky.  The catch is, it's carpeted and we're not prepared to rip up the carpet to get to the flooring (as we can't afford to replace it).   Any thoughts or advice on a solution would be greatly appreciated.,  Thank you. 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Help-DIY. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about squeaky flooring.

Given that you're working with a second-floor townhouse and don't have access underneath the subfloor, the usual methods for fixing squeaky floors, such as driving screws or nails into the joists, are unfortunately not viable. Without direct access to the subfloor or the ability to locate the joists, it would be extremely challenging to secure the floorings properly without causing damage to the carpet or creating unsightly holes. The idea of driving screws through the carpet and into the joists is also difficult to execute accurately without precise placement, and even with special tools, it's unlikely to fix the squeak long-term.

As you can imagine, this leaves you with limited options when it comes to addressing the squeaks directly. Essentially, you'd either have to attempt some less effective solutions, like using lubricants or powders between the carpet and subfloor, or consider a more comprehensive fix. The latter would involve pulling up the carpet, addressing the cause of the squeak by reattaching the flooring securely to the joists, and then relaying the carpet afterward. While this is certainly more involved and costly, it would guarantee that the squeak is eliminated at its source, rather than just masking it temporarily.

Ultimately, it comes down to weighing the annoyance of the squeak against the cost and disruption of pulling up the carpet and fixing the underlying issue. If the squeak is only minor and you can live with it, you might choose to hold off on the more extensive repairs. However, if the noise is persistent and bothersome, it may be worth investing in the proper fix, which would ensure a longer-lasting solution. The decision will depend on how much the noise is affecting your daily life and whether you're willing to endure the temporary inconvenience and expense of fixing it the right way.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell