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Should I be Concerned About Sloping Floors?

WRITTEN BY:
Blake Heron
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Close up of hand on leveler on uneven floor
Close up of hand on leveler on uneven floor
Home » Should I be Concerned About Sloping Floors?

Should I Be Concerned About Sloping Floors?

One of the most common signs of foundation problems is sloping floors. That said, not all sloping floors are a sign that substantial repairs are needed. It may be worth having an inspection done to rule out any larger issues, especially if you’re trying to sell your house.

Keep reading to learn why sloping floors could indicate foundational problems and what to do if your floors are uneven. For professional help fixing uneven floors in the greater Hampton Roads, VA / NC region, contact the experts at BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair.

What Causes Sloping Floors?

Sloping floors are floors that are no longer level. Houses are built with all the floors parallel to the ground, but this may change with time or damage.

Foundation Settling

One of the most common causes is foundation settling. Over time, the soil beneath your foundation may shift, causing the foundation to settle unevenly. If one part of the foundation is sinking faster or deeper than the rest, you could have a big problem. The shearing force of the weight of the house not being distributed in an even way can cause major damage. If this is the case, you will need foundation repair, which might include jacking up the house.

One weakness in some foundations is old windows, especially in basements. The window frame can become weak with age and begin to sag. This can cause the floors above to slope since nothing is supporting the weight on one end. This will also require foundation repair, though not as intensive. Cracks or separations in the foundation can also cause sloping floors. If this occurs, you should seek out the assistance of a trusted contractor as soon as possible.

Structural Damage

Another potential cause of sloping floors is structural damage. If a beam or joist in the floor structure is damaged or weakened, it can cause the floors to slope. In some cases, the damage may be visible, such as a cracked or sagging beam. In other cases, the damage may be hidden and require a professional inspection to identify.

There are a lot of things that can cause damage to wood as a house gets older. Water is the most obvious culprit and can cause tremendous damage in a very short time. Wet wood warps and rots, which can cause the entire floor to lose integrity.

Poor Construction

Not all homes are built the way they should be. Sometimes, a floor joist wasn’t put in right, or the wood they used was substandard. If the floor joists were spaced too far apart, they may not be able to support the weight of the floor and its contents, resulting in sloping or sagging floors. If this is the case, it will take time and money to have the joists replaced with those built the right way.

Should I Be Concerned About Sloping Floors?

Whether or not you should be concerned about sloping floors depends on the severity of the slope and the underlying cause. In some cases, a slight slope may be normal and not cause for concern. However, if the slope is severe or getting worse over time, it could be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

One potential risk of sloping floors is damage to the structural integrity of the home. If the slope is caused by the foundation settling, it could be an indication that the foundation is no longer able to support the weight of the home. This could result in further damage to the home, including cracking walls or windows and even collapse in extreme cases.

Another potential risk of sloping floors is damage to the flooring and other finishes in the home. As the floors slope, it can cause stress on the flooring materials, leading to cracking or buckling. In addition, furniture and other items may not sit level on the sloping floor, causing damage or creating a safety hazard.

How to Fix Sloping Floors

Step 1: Identify the Cause of the Sloping Floor

Before you begin fixing the sloping floor, it’s essential to identify the cause of the problem, A professional inspector can help you identify the exact cause of the sloping floor.

Step 2: Determine the Extent of the Damage

The next step is to determine the extent of the damage. Minor sloping floors can be fixed easily, while severe damage may require more extensive repairs. A professional contractor can help you determine the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Step 3: Jack Up the Floor

To fix the sloping floor, you need to level it. This involves jacking up the low end of the floor to bring it up to the same level as the high end. The process involves using jacks, such as screw jacks or hydraulic jacks, to lift the low end of the floor.

Step 4: Add Shims to Level the Floor

After jacking up the low end of the floor, you need to add shims to level the floor. Shims are thin pieces of wood that are inserted between the floor joists and the subfloor. They help level the floor and prevent it from sloping again in the future.

Step 5: Secure the Floor Joists

The next step is to secure the floor joists to prevent them from moving or sagging again. This involves adding blocking between the floor joists and securing them with screws or nails. This will provide additional support and prevent future sagging.

Step 6: Replace Damaged Subflooring

If the sloping floor is caused by water damage, it’s essential to replace any damaged subflooring. This involves removing the damaged section of the subfloor and replacing it with a new piece of wood. This will prevent further damage and help level the floor.

Step 7: Consider Professional Help

If the damage is extensive or you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, it’s essential to seek professional help. A professional contractor can help you determine the best course of action. In Virginia and North Carolina, one name is synonymous with excellence, and that is BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair. Your questions and concerns will be addressed, and the work will be done right.

Your House Doesn’t Need to Slope

With all the potential problems that can come in because of uneven floors, don’t risk your home. For most people, their home is the largest investment they have in the future. Risking damage to your home can cause financial ruin and remove the security they provide as we age.

If you are experiencing sloping floors or if you notice anything that seems wrong with your foundation or crawl space, BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair is here for you. Get in touch with us to start the process of getting your house and foundation back in the condition it should be in.

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