Why Your LVT Floor Sounds Noisy—and How to Fix It Like a Flooring Pro

“Ever wondered why your LVT floor conducts a drum solo underfoot, while your neighbour’s remains silently sleek? That click‑clack isn’t just annoying—it’s a clue to a fixable design or installation flaw.”

Introduction

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) delivers style, comfort, and low maintenance, but can also betray you with loud clicks or squeaks. If you're someone who loves understanding how things work, and want to silence that noise efficiently, this guide is built for you. You'll learn exactly what's behind the sound and how to eliminate it with engineering-level precision.

Why LVT Floors Make Noise

Micro‑vibrations on a Bouncy Subfloor

When the subfloor flexes under pressure—due to wide joist spacing, weakened plywood, or moisture—it transmits micro-vibrations. These movements cause friction between LVT planks, which amplify into audible clicks. Standard joist spacing may not be adequate for all subfloor materials, and moisture can further weaken plywood integrity. Pro tip: Use a long straightedge to uncover uneven spots—and a moisture meter to detect hidden moisture issues.

Compressibility in the Underlay

Floating LVT depends on padded underlay (foam, cork, rubber) for comfort—but that cushioning also permits plank movement. Step compression causes edges to rub and squeak.

Pro tip: Cork underlay offers better acoustic control (higher dB reduction) than basic foam—making it the professional choice.(See underlay differences in Quick‑Step specs.)

Install Errors = Sound Sources

• Missing expansion gaps allow thermal expansion to buckle or cup flooring

• Uneven subfloors impose uneven stress on planks

• Substandard LVT (SPC/WPC cores) with poor tolerances misalign click-lock edges Reference guide: Karndean Designflooring’s installation specs clarify these key steps.

  
  

Pro-Level Solutions for Silent Floors

1. Let It Acclimate (and Settle)

Allow 6–12 months for your LVT to adjust to room conditions. As it settles, joints tighten, and noise typically subsides within weeks.(DIY review: search “LVT acclimation time Reddit” to read firsthand stories.)

2. Remove Underlay (Precision Method)

If underlay drives noise, this fix is fast and effective:

1. Use a suction cup or pry bar to lift planks at a corner

2. Remove or swap the pad for a thin cork layer

3. Ensure the subfloor is flat and clean to reduce visible imperfections

4. Relock planks carefully

   Pro tip: Check warranty terms—underlay changes may affect coverage.

   
   

3. Level & Fill Subfloor Voids

For persistent squeaks:

• Mark noisy areas with tape

• Lift specific boards

• Apply self-levelling compound (Ardex, Mapei) or plywood shims

• Allow 24–48 hours drying before reinstallation

• Verify levelness with a straightedge

  
  

4. Opt for Glue‑Down or Loose‑Lay Installation

Achieve silence by limiting plank movement:

• Glue‑down LVT bonds the floor directly to subfloor—no float

• Loose‑lay uses heavy planks and anti-slip backing for stabilityExplore adhesives: Pressure-sensitive, hard-set, and moisture-cured options. Note: glue-down makes future removal more complex.

  
  

5. Reinforce from Below (Shim + Screw)

Ideal for crawlspaces/basements:

1. Walk floor and locate squeaks

2. Insert shims or use counter-snap screws into joists

3. Screw heads snap flush for a seamless subfloor

   Safety first: Wear eye protection and check for hidden wires or pipes before drilling.

   
   

Tools of the Trade

Essential for any enthusiast approaching this like a flooring engineer:

• Long straightedge

• Moisture meter & Stud detector (subfloor and joist testing)

• Suction cup or pry bar

• Self-levelling compound and trowel

• Knee pads and eye protection

• Counter‑snap screws and drill

• Adhesive

  
  

DIY or Call a Pro?

• ✅ DIY-Friendly: letting it settle, underlay removal, localised leveling

• 🔧 Professional Help: structural issues require a structural engineer; large glue-down jobs call for a licensed flooring contractor such as London Flooring Fitters (based in London - covering : Greater London, Essex, Kent, Surrey)

  
  

Quick Comparison of Fix Options

Fix Method	Noise Reduction	DIY Skill	Longevity	Cost
Let it Settle	Medium	Easy	Low	£
Remove/Replace Underlay	High	Medium	Medium	££
Level Subfloor Voids	Very High	Medium‑Hard	High	££-£££
Glue‑Down / Loose‑Lay LVT	Very High	Hard	Very High	£££
Shim + Screw from Below	Very High	Hard	Very High	££-£££

FAQ

Q1: Why is LVT noisy months later? Because micro-movement continues as environmental conditions change and floating floors stabilize over time.

Q2: Can underlay be the culprit? Yes—especially soft or thick pads. Cork or thin pads, or no underlay at all, typically resolve the issue.

Q3: Is glue-down always quieter? It’s extremely stable, but future repairs require job-site cutting and replacement—less flexible than floating systems.

Q4: Can squeaks be fixed without lifting planks? Some use squeak-repair kits, but lifting and correcting the underfloor structure is the most reliable fix for LVT.

Q5: How much should I budget? Waiting and underlay fixes are budget-friendly. Glue-down and structural fixes involve higher costs, depending on scope and labor.

Further Reading & Resources

• How to Fix Squeaky Floors Video

• BuildDirect – Squeaky Floor Solutions: Top-down joist repair methods

• NWFA : National Wood Flooring Association

• Karndean Installation Guides: Authoritative LVT instruction manuals

• “Shim & Screw Squeaky Floor Fix” Video: In-depth technical DIY walkthrough

• LVT Scratch Repair Video

• Quick-Step Underlay

  
  

Conclusion

A noisy LVT floor isn’t a design failure—it’s a mechanical signal. Armed with insight, the right tools, and this guide, you can diagnose and silence the issue like a true flooring engineer. Silent sophistication is within reach—let’s fine-tune that floor.