Is Your Floor Crooked? Here’s How to Fix It!

Is Your Floor Crooked? Here’s How to Fix It!

Is your floor drooping? Is it domed? Is it slanting to one side? Read on to discover what is causing your floor to warp. In some cases, it is a problem that can be easily remedied, but in others, a more extensive intervention will be required. 

 

A house’s floor may become uneven for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, the distortion is apparent and in other instances the incline is so minimal that you can only discern it by throwing an object—like a marble—on the ground and watching it immediately roll to a corner of the room. Even brand-new homes can have tilting floors. Here is some advice for dealing with each type of situation. 

If the Slanting Is Uneven

If your floor is listing in every which way, it may be that there aren’t enough joists supporting it underneath. Simply install more. It may likewise be the case that a supporting beam has been moved contrary to code standards. Both scenarios demand that you call in an architect or an engineer to fix the problem. 

If the Slanting Is All to One Side

A floor will tilt to one side when the soil level beneath the foundation drops or when the concrete has weakened. The foundation must be stabilized by installing piles. However, sometimes the entire foundation will have to be replaced instead. Contact a professional to be sure. 

If the Floor Is Sagging in the Middle of the House

This situation is particularly frequent in older homes. That is to say, this happens when wooden beams shrink, which usually occurs over a couple of decades. This is repaired by adding columns beneath the main beam. 

If the Floor Is Sagging in the Middle of a Room

It may be that there aren’t enough joists or that the beams are showing signs of wear. This can be fixed by replacing the damaged beams or by adding joists, as needed. You may also have to reinforce the structure by increasing the number of joists. Consult an expert for recommendations. 

Danger! The Floor is Drooping Along the Outer Walls

It’s a bad sign when a floor starts to sink along the exterior walls. Your foundation may be damaged. Address the problem quickly to avoid warped cladding and even twisted window frames. This can lead to more structural concerns. Get advice from an expert as soon as possible! 

If the Floor Is Domed

This phenomenon is most frequent in older properties. It was the custom at one time to install two main beams beneath the walls of hallways. These beams meet in the middle and slight bulge can appear at this point. Generally, the only intervention needed is to replace the floor. You can do this yourself if you know how or hire a professional.  

Does a Warped Floor Really Need to be Repaired?

It can be tempting to leave the floor as it is, especially if it is not causing any major issues. Be aware, though, that the longer you ignore the problem, the worse it will get. Eventually, you may find that your doors and windows don’t open properly. Cracks may even begin to appear along the walls and ceilings.

Moreover, a sinking floor that is not repaired in a timely manner it can affect the floors of the levels above. Therefore, it is always less costly to remedy the situation as quickly as possible before the structure deteriorates further. 

If you have any doubts about the condition of your floor or if any of these problems have become apparent, you should seek professional advice to avoid the unnecessary risk of additional damage to your property. After all, a well-maintained home is more likely to increase in value over time! 

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.