Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

What are squeaking floors commonly caused by?

1. Uneven joist installation

2. Swelling of wafer board sub-floor due to water damage

3. The installation of thin sub-flooring

4. Inadequate securing of the sub-floor to the joists

The correct answer is: Inadequate securing of the sub-floor to the joists

Squeaking floors are often attributed to inadequate securing of the sub-floor to the joists. When the sub-floor is not properly fastened to the joists, movement can occur between these components as weight is applied, resulting in the friction that creates the squeaking sound. This movement may happen when someone walks across the floor or when the floor experiences temperature changes, leading to expansion and contraction. The other options, while they can affect floor sound, do not directly cause the distinct squeaking noise. Uneven joist installation can create issues with floor levelness or stability but does not inherently cause squeaking. The swelling of wafer board sub-floor due to water damage can lead to creaking or popping sounds but isn't as commonly associated with the typical squeak. Similarly, the installation of thin sub-flooring can affect the overall floor stability and noise, but the primary cause of the squeak relates to how securely the sub-floor is attached to the joists.