[akatiedid]

Inherited a 10 year old laminated floor. It was placed over tile. Don't know more of history. Previous owner had metal strips as thresholds between laminate and carpet. Wanted to replaced the metal with more attractive wood strip. Found could not glue threshold to edge of sub-floor beneath the laminate because edging of laminate is not squared or consistent. Have used screws to hold wood strip in place.

Problem came when I noticed a popping noise when walking on the floor after putting down the strip. It seems the screws going through the wood and through the laminate have apparently put a stress on the laminate section (not all of them) and cause a portion of the laminate to raise up.

I used 1 inch screws. My theory is the screws did not penetrate through the tiles beneath the laminate and when tightened at the wood strip threshold, it caused the middle of the laminate plate to bend upward. Other theory is that one o more of the tiles beneath the laminate are either cracked or the old glue is no longer holding and when the edge if pulled tight against the wood strip, the far edge of the tile is bent upwards by the stress.

I assume my 1 inch screws are well seated in the tiles. The popping/creaking as I walk on that part of the floor is not acceptable. We can't see it as being obviously raised. But laying down, getting the eye close to the laminate, I can push on it and see it move.

Is there a way to solve this creaking sound? Replacing the laminate, even a small section of it is not an option... a match can't be found.

[bevan]

Is there an easy cure to stop laminate floor from crackling when walking on it(only happens in the summer)?

[ballengerb1]

You used the wrong material for your transition. Laminate floor manufactureres make special strips for this that have a track screwed down and then snap in place. Your screwing has caused the floating floor to have an anchor point, no pun intended. This makes the float float only on one direction rather than to its weakest point, consequently the creaking happens. Check the aisle at the home center where they sell laminates, you'll see the transition strips in a rack.