Fix a Squeaky Floor from Above

Q: Our upstairs hardwood floor squeaks in a few places. I can’t access the joists because of the finished ceiling of the first floor. Can I fix the squeaks from above?

A: At the location of the squeak, tighten the flooring to the nearest joist with a trim-head screw driven through the floor from above. First drill a pilot hole through the hardwood. Countersink the hole to hide the screw head. Drive the screw tight and putty the hole. If that doesn’t eliminate the squeak, try it again at a spot a few inches away.