Photo by Erin Hervey
Originally Posted On: https://www.baycrawlspace.com/should-i-be-concerned-about-sloping-floors/
Most foundation repair jobs cost between $5,000 to $10,000 in the United States.
One of the most common signs of foundation problems is sloping floors. Not all sloping floors are a sign that substantial repairs are needed, and they are caused by a host of normal conditions.
Even so, it may be worth having an inspection done to rule out any larger issues, especially if you’re trying to sell your house. Read on to learn why sloping floors could indicate foundational problems and what to do if your floors are uneven.
WHY DO SLOPING FLOORS HAPPEN?
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.
If a floor develops a slope, it can be a sign of the house settling or a foundational issue. There is also the wood to consider, as water damage and other forces can cause floor joists to begin to sag.
HOUSE SETTLING
As houses age, they start to settle. This is the name of the process by which a completed building sinks into the ground. Modern construction uses compaction as a means to combat this, but some house settling is normal if the house is on a dirt pad.
The process of house settling is common and can also come with tiny cracks forming on the walls, ceiling, and foundation. Most of the time, this is not a major issue and can be taken care of with a bit of spackle. If water can enter your foundation, however, you may have a larger problem that requires repair.
FOUNDATION ISSUES
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 floors to slope above, as nothing is supporting the weight on one end. This will also require foundation repair, though not as intensive.
Cracks or separation 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.
A damaged foundation can spell doom for a home if it is not taken care of. If you want to sell your house, it won’t be easy until any obvious foundation damage is taken care of.
DAMAGED FLOOR JOISTS
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.
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 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?
The question as to whether or not your sloping floors are of great concern comes down to the warning signs. You should check the foundation of your home by doing a thorough visual sweep of it. Look over the entire foundation looking for any signs of obvious damage and discoloration.
If possible, get into your crawlspace or basement and check the floor joists. They should be visible, and any outward sign of warping, damage, or the joist pulling away from the structure will be obvious. If you don’t see any other warning signs, you may not have to be too concerned.
Some people consider sloping floors to be part of living in an older house. That can be true to an extent, but a sloping floor can be more than just inconvenient. The weight of a floor, walls, and roof of your house should be distributed throughout the structure.
Having sloping floors can cause other problems. It is more common to trip on uneven ground, and any objects you place in the room with the sloping floor will lean as well. This could cause objects to fall off of shelves and be damaged.
If you have any questions as to whether the slope is dangerous, you should get an inspection done. Most contractors will offer an inspection so they can determine what is wrong and how to fix it. Ask any questions that come to mind. It is important you understand the process.
FOUNDATION REPAIR
If the sloping floors you’re dealing with turn out to need repair, you need to use the right contractor. You will be spending thousands of dollars on this repair, and it must be done right the first time. Any mistakes during foundation repair can cause irreparable harm to your home.
In Virginia and North Carolina, one name is synonymous with excellence, and that is Bay Crawlspace and Foundation Repair. Your questions and concerns will be addressed, and the work will be done right. In other areas, you should seek out a respected and experienced foundation repair contractor.
YOUR HOUSE DOESN’T NEED TO SLOPE
With all the potential problems that can come in because of sloping 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 crawlspace, Bay Crawlspace and Foundation Repair is here for you. Get in contact with us to start the process of getting your house and foundation back in the condition it should be in.
Request a free quote today!