How to identify if your floor needs repair
In most modern houses, the common foundation material is usually joists. Floor joists are beams that hold up the floor of your house. They are usually made of timber, and hence are prone to damage from different sources. Joists can rot, or become affected by moisture, and this can have significant effects on the floor of your house all due to damaged joists.
How to identify damaged joists
The best way to identify a damaged floor joist is simply by going into your crawl space and inspecting the joist physically. If you notice any rot, x-axis, or spaces in your joist, then that could be the cause of damage. It is extremely important to identify any early warning signs of damaged joists, to prevent your floor from collapsing. If your floor exhibits any of the following signs, you should immediately contact professionals at Toledo Basement Repair.
- Sagging- Sagging can be a sure way of identifying a deteriorating joist. However, the weight of your floor and furniture can also cause joists to sag over time.
- Bouncing- if certain areas of your floor feel bouncy, you may want to check underneath for a damaged joist or two
- Creaking- a breaking floor is always bad news. This may mean the joist underneath is crumbling or broken and may require reinforcing or replacing.
- Cracks- cracks in a joist can be caused by water pipes or electrical wires passing through the joist. Going into your crawl space will allow you to do a further inspection of the crack.
- Cracks in your drywall- sometimes, an uneven floor can affect other elements in your house, such as causing cracks on your gypsum wall. If you notice cracks in your drywall, that could be a sign of a damaged floor joist.
- Doors and windows not closing properly- Doors and windows can also be affected by a damaged floor. If you notice your door not being able to stay open, or if you’re having issues closing your window or door, it may mean that the foundation they stand upon is uneven or slanted.
Problems Arise Elsewhere
Sometimes, floor joist issues may indicate a problem in another area of your house. For example, if your joist is damaged due to excess moisture, it means there may be a pipe leak in your basement. Therefore, you should call a plumber to inspect your water pipes. If you notice your floor joist has been eaten away by termites, you should not attempt to fix the joist until the crawl space has been rid of the termites. Contact an exterminator to assist with the insect problem in this case.
How to repair damaged joists
Damaged joists pose a health and safety risk to your house and your family. Therefore, you should take quick action in reinforcing or replacing them. While it may be possible to DIY repair your joists, it is advisable to contact professionals at Toledo Basement Repair. If you suspect your crawl space may have some rotten joists or may have been damaged by water, you can contact Toledo Basement Repair for a free estimate on your basement needs, including waterproofing. We also offer remodeling services, you can check out our webpage here.
Our professionals at Toledo Basement Repair will advise you on how to maintain floor joists, and will even offer a 10% off discount on return customers. Our trustworthy workmanship and excellent service will ensure your floor doesn’t sag or bounce again. Rest assured we also take extra safety precautions against the COVID-19 virus. Check us out on Facebook and give us a like!