DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I have lived in my house for over 18 years from when it was built. The upper flooring is made of 8 by 4 sheets of what I call blockboard but not sure of its correct name. Over the years it creaks really badly everywhere you walk. When I renew the carpets I want to try and screw them down but my worry is the amount of pipes that are under the floor. I looked at similar houses in various stages of construction on the site after we moved in and the amount of piping everywhere was amazing. Now what I would like to know is how far below the joists are these pipes likely to be. I could follow the line of nails along the joist but obviously don't know ( as the builders did) where the pipes run. I probably need a metal detecting tool ,but which one? I have looked at reviews and none seem perfect. Any advice on this would be welcome.

stronach,
Either the board are rubbing together on their edges or the boards are moving up and down on the nails.
If there is a small gap between each of the boards then it is a nail problem.
It is likely that most of the pipes will be run directly under the boards so I suggest you get a nail remover and replace the nails in their existing holes with screws.
end

Thanks for advice, have to wait till I get carpets up though. You suggestions have been useful.