Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

Squeaking floors are typically caused by:

1. Improperly secured sub-floors to the joists.

2. Improperly installed joists.

3. Thin sub-flooring panels.

4. Uneven joist installation.

5. Warping of floorboards.

6. Swelling of sub-floors due to moisture.

The correct answer is: Improperly secured sub-floors to the joists.

Squeaking floors are commonly attributed to improperly secured sub-floors to the joists. This occurs when the fasteners that hold the sub-flooring to the floor joists become loose or are not adequately attached. As people walk across the floor, the movement causes friction between the sub-floor and the joists, leading to the characteristic squeaking noise. While other factors can also contribute to floor squeaks, they typically do so in less direct ways. For instance, improperly installed joists may lead to structural issues over time, but the immediate cause of squeaking is related to the secure attachment of the sub-floor. Thin sub-flooring panels may not provide sufficient rigidity, and uneven joist installation can create instability, but again, they manifest their issues differently. Warping of floorboards and moisture-related swelling of sub-floors may contribute to noises, but the direct and common cause of squeaks is largely grounded in how well the sub-floor is secured to the underlying joists. Thus, understanding the relationship between sub-floor security and squeaking is crucial for identifying and addressing this common issue in real estate inspections.