Here’s a question from our 6/8/2019 Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.

Dennis from North Carolina says, “About four years ago I had my deck’s floorboards and railings replaced. They were sealed with Sherwin-Williams Deck stain, I believe it was a solid stain. I want to say the original deck board was secured with a pneumatic nailer and the fasteners looked like staples.

“Early fall of last year I had the deck cleaned, all old deck dressing/sealant was removed by a liquid remover; what sealant remained was sanded off. The entire deck was then re-sealed with TWP stain, believe the coloring is California Cedar.

Now when it rains and the deck hasn’t dried, all is well. After the deck has dried after rain, all is well. However, when the floorboards have dried and get walked on, they make popping sounds and squeak like crazy. Seems that all of the floorboards do it. It’s very aggravating and driving me and my wife crazy.

The construction of the deck floorboards’ support is joists on 16-inch centers. Floorboards are attached to each joist using two deck screws. Existing screws measure 0.125”+/- diameter at the shank and are 2.5” long (top of head to thread tip). Floorboards measure 6.5” by 1.125.”

What can I do to eliminate the popping and squeaks? Add a third screw at each joist, replace existing screws with a larger, longer screw, etc.?

We tell Dennis to go along and tighten all the screws in the boards. Try doing just a few boards first to see if that will help before moving on to the entire deck. Another option would be trying longer screws.

Listen above for the segment!

Read the blog from the June 8 show and listen to the full broadcast here

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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