Avoiding the "Squeaks" and "Creaks" in Your New Home

Keith Sawlor, June 24, 2013 | Posted in Build

When you're living in a brand new home, the sound of a “squeak” as you walk across the floor is not one you want to hear. That may be the outcome if you don't choose the right floor for your home. The products and systems available range from old-fashioned, 2x10 floor joists, to state-of-the-art engineered systems. 2x10 floor joists are the simplest and least expensive initially, but they are also the most problematic. They are inconsistent in size and strength, and will shrink a fair amount. It is extremely difficult to avoid those unnerving “squeaks” with this product.

A Builder that cares will choose to install an engineered floor system. They'll have an engineer calculate the spans and point loads for the entire floor and design it to perform to a certain standard. While the minimum standard for any floor system is determined by building code, these builders will instruct their engineer to increase the strength of their floor system by as much as 30 per cent or more above building code requirements. This creates a very solid floor, and gives it a feeling of strength and quality.

That means no tiptoeing across the floor to avoid waking your family—the only sound you’ll hear is the quiet comfort of knowing your home has been built with quality that will last.

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Past Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National and Better Business Bureau.