Bowing walls and sinking floors can signify a much larger problem in your home. A floor that seems to sink is often a red flag for issues with the foundation. However, it does not necessarily mean that you have to move out.
Sunken floors are not always irreparable unless they have caved in or there is some other structural damage. If left unattended, sagging floors can lead to more extensive rotting, mold growth, and pest infestation. Let’s find out some causes of a sunken floor in your home and how you can repair them.
Foundation Problems
Foundation problems are a leading cause of a sagging floor. If your basement floor is sinking or buckling, it is a sign of trouble with the foundation. However, not all foundations are the same.
One of the most common causes of foundation issues is frost heaving. This happens when the soil freezes and then thaws. As the soil contracts and expands, it can cause the foundation to shift and settle, causing damage. An improper grade can also cause your foundation to settle unevenly, leading to sagging floors.
An Improperly Shaped Floor
If your house was built on a not-so-level surface, it is possible that the subfloor was not correctly shaped. This will lead to an improper angle, causing the floor to sink. An improperly shaped floor can be remedied by adding additional support to the subfloor. Adding support beams to the foundation can help level out the floor, and professionals can help.
Excess moisture in the subfloor
Moisture and sagging floors often go hand in hand. If your subfloor is too wet, it can sag. You can check this by measuring the floor joists. If they are two inches shorter than when the house was built, the floor has too much moisture and needs to be replaced or dried out.
If your floor is too wet, try to dry it yourself. This may not be as easy as it sounds since the floorboards will cover the joists. To dry up the subfloor, you can use dehumidifiers or fans. You can also try to remove the excess moisture by scraping the floorboards. If the subfloor is too wet, you can replace it. This will fix the problem of the floor sinking, but it will not solve the problem of excess moisture.
Sinking floors due to Bad Drainage
This common issue in basements with high water tables or poor drainage. Installing drainage will help relieve this pressure.
If you want to solve the problem, put a foot of gravel or sand under the floor. Call a foundation repair company if you want to go all out and get a professional to do it.
How Wooden Structural Repairs can help bring it back to its normal level
Wooden structural repairs are a great way to level out a sagging floor. This can range from adding a support beam to installing a set of subflooring. Wooden structural repairs are a simple, cost-effective repair of a sagging floor. It will solve the problem of a sinking floor and keep the rest of your house safe from damage.
Conclusion
A sagging floor can signify a more serious problem, like a problem with the foundation. If your floor is sinking and you see signs of moisture, you should take immediate action before more extensive problems develop. Toledo Basement Repair offers solutions to your floor. We can help with bowing walls and sinking floors. Contact us at Toledo Basement Repair today for an affordable solution using our latest technology. Toledo Basement Repair is the best in solving your problem. You can also check us out on Facebook.