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The 3 Causes of Uneven Floors (And How to Fix Them)

WRITTEN BY:
Blake Heron

What Causes Uneven Floors and How to Fix Them

You step into a home and realize something isn’t quite right. As you walk in certain areas, it feels as though the floors are sloped. If you’ve ever experienced this, it’s not just your imagination. You’re walking on uneven floors, which is an ailment many homeowners face.

Luckily at BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair, we can help you fix this issue. For professional help fixing sloping floors in the greater Hampton Roads, VA / NC region, contact us today.

What Are Uneven Floors?

Uneven floors are exactly as the name implies. They are floors that slope and sag, creating an uneven surface. As a house’s structure settles and shifts, it can cause the floors and walls to shift and bend. In more serious cases, they may even crack.

Foundation Issues

One of the primary causes of uneven floors is foundation issues. If the foundation of your home is unstable or has settled over time, it can cause the floors to become uneven. This is particularly common in older homes that were built on pier and beam foundations.

The Solution

The first step in fixing uneven floors caused by foundation issues is to address the foundation problem itself. This may involve adding additional support to the foundation or repairing any damage that has occurred. Once the foundation is stabilized, you may need to have the floors leveled by a professional. This can involve using a process called mud jacking, which involves pumping a mixture of sand, water, and cement under the floor to raise it to its proper level.

Moisture Issues

Moisture can also cause floors to become uneven. If there is excessive moisture in the ground underneath your home, it can cause the soil to expand and contract, leading to uneven floors. This is particularly common in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall.

The Solution

If the cause of your uneven floors is moisture-related, you’ll need to address the source of the moisture first. This may involve installing a drainage system around the perimeter of your home to prevent water from seeping into the ground. You may also need to repair any leaks in your plumbing system that could be contributing to the moisture problem. Once the moisture issue has been addressed, you may need to have the floors leveled by a professional.

Structural Issues

Another cause of uneven floors is structural issues. This can include problems with load-bearing walls or beams, as well as issues with the floor joists themselves. Structural issues can be particularly problematic in older homes that have been subjected to years of wear and tear.

The Solution

If the cause of your uneven floors is structural, you’ll need to have a professional assess the problem and make any necessary repairs. This may involve adding additional support to load-bearing walls or beams, as well as replacing damaged or weakened floor joists. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to have your home inspected by a structural engineer.

Soil Issues

Over time, the soil beneath your home can shift due to natural expansion and contraction caused by changes in moisture levels. This can impact your foundation, leading to uneven floors. Before construction, builders take measures to compact the soil to maintain a sturdy foundation and prevent future settling. However, if the soil is not compacted properly, it can result in shifting and unevenness in your floors.

The Solution

You can improve the drainage around your foundation by adding strategically placed spouts to direct water away. Another option is to fix the foundation grading, which should have a ground slope of 3% to 5% around the house. To prevent moisture from penetrating the foundation, you can install a slanting swale as a barrier. Additionally, adding soil around the foundation can help improve the grading and redirect water away from your home.

How to Prevent Uneven Floors

While there are several solutions for fixing uneven floors, the best approach is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Tip #1: Keep Moisture Levels in Check

Make sure your home has proper drainage and that your plumbing system is in good working order.

Tip #2: Monitor Your Foundation

Keep an eye out for signs of foundation damage, such as cracks in the walls or floors, and have them addressed as soon as possible.

Tip #3: Check Your Floors Regularly

Regularly inspect your floors for signs of unevenness or sagging. If you notice any problems, have them addressed right away.

Tip #4: Hire a Professional

If you’re not sure what’s causing your uneven floors, or if you’re not comfortable fixing them yourself, hire the team at BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair to assess the problem and make any necessary repairs.

How To Fix Uneven Floors

Foundation damage repairs can be extensive or simple. This, of course, depends on the extent of the damage & specifics of the structure. Consult with an expert foundation repair specialist or structural engineer to discuss the problem and how to properly fix it.

Foundation repair experts can fix foundations using many methods, including floor jacks, installing new beams, foundation piering, various carpentry repairs, and various steel reinforcement solutions.

Some foundation piering uses hydraulic jacks to lift the perimeter foundation back into place. Lifting the perimeter foundation is NOT recommended. Lift causes damage via ‘load reversals’ and can cause further structural damage. Worst of all, when the foundation loses contact with the soil, it loses 100% of its support from the soil. For that reason, lifted foundation push piers often settle.

Floor Joist Repair

Get a Free Inspection

Uneven floors can be a frustrating problem for homeowners, but they are not insurmountable. By addressing the root cause of the problem, whether it’s foundation issues, moisture issues, or structural issues, you can restore your floors to their proper level. By taking steps to prevent uneven floors from occurring in the first place, you can save yourself time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Contact us today to get a free in-home consultation.

Do You Have Uneven Floors?

Whether you’re a homeowner or looking to buy a home, you should never ignore uneven floors. Sagging, sloping, and buckling floors is a sign of a much bigger problem that can cause serious issues in the future. Fixing the problem sooner will save you money and prevent your home from experiencing further damage.

Do you have uneven floors in your home? Let’s talk about it. We will diagnose the problem and help you find the right solution.

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