Is your floor feeling or looking uneven? Have you noticed signs that it is sinking lower than it used to be? You may have thought it was just your imagination, but floor issues may be a sign of a serious problem with your foundation. A sinking or uneven floor is one of the most common signals that your home’s foundation may be suffering from issues that need repair.
Fortunately, there are solutions that can put your foundation back in shape and protect your home’s structure and value. Edens Structural Solutions provides superior, professional foundation evaluations and repairs that give homeowners throughout the Tulsa area peace of mind. To help you understand your foundation better, here’s what you need to know about sinking or uneven floors and what to do about them.
Signs Your Floor Is Affected by a Foundation Issue
Homeowners often wonder if home issues are caused by foundation problems, or are just the results of natural settling of the home over time. So, here are some common signs that mean you’re looking at more than settling.
- Floor sags toward the center of the house
- Cracks appear in the floor
- Interior doors are getting stuck or jammed
- Crawl spaces are suffering from mold and rot
- Concrete slabs are heaving (lifting) or sinking
The more severe these signs are, the more likely it is that you have a foundation in need of repair. And the longer you ignore signs of problems, the worse your foundation will get. So, it’s smart to get a foundation evaluation as soon as you suspect you may have a problem.
Why Foundation Issues Affect Your Flooring
If you’re dealing with floors that are uneven or sinking, the issue is actually not the floor itself but what is underneath it.
Wooden floors
Many homes are constructed with floors that are supported with wood beams and joists. This wooden system of support can bend when your foundation shifts, leading to uneven or sinking flooring.
Crawl spaces
If you have a crawl space (most Tulsa area homes do!), then you have support beams in the crawl space. When moisture in the crawl space gets high, it can eat at wooden support beams, causing them to rot. This causes them to weaken. The problem is especially common if the home wasn’t constructed properly.
Since one of the most important beams is located in the center of the crawl space, you’ll notice sagging in the middle of your home where that beam is located, if it is damaged.
Concrete slabs
If your flooring involves cement or concrete, that material may crack over time as the Oklahoma soil beneath it expands and contracts. Because concrete and cement are a hard material, they don’t rot and sag like wood does. Instead, they break, causing floors to heave upward or be uneven.
How to Address Sinking or Uneven Floors
1. Have a professional foundation inspection
If you suspect that your home is having foundation issues, then a professional inspection is a good first step. Foundation experts can tell you exactly what the problem is, how serious it is, and what options there are for making foundation repairs.
Remember, if you’re considering a home purchase, it is a good idea to examine the house inside and out. Look for signs of possible foundation issues before you buy, so you can know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line. A foundation inspection should be a part of your plan before agreeing to buy a home.
2. Install crawl space jacks
If your foundation issue is due to weakened beams in the crawl space, there are heavy-duty jacks that can be installed to hold the beams up firmly in place. The jack’s rod is cemented into the crawl space floor. This pushes the floor back up, eliminating sagging, and also ensures the weight of the floor is properly supported again. The process can usually be done in a day.
3. Install slab piers
If you’re dealing with an issue concerning your concrete foundation slab, then piers can be an effective solution. There are different types of piers to address different foundational issues. With a professional foundation inspection, you can expect a detailed explanation of what the issue is and which piers would be best for your home.
Get Peace of Mind About Your Home Foundation
Sinking or uneven floors can disrupt your home’s comfort, and more importantly, they can cause you stress. But you don’t have to remain unsure of your home’s condition or value — not when you opt for a foundation inspection and appropriate foundation repairs to put your home back in top working order.
Check out our gallery of foundation issues we’ve repaired, or browse our reviews to see why homeowners in the Tulsa area enjoy working with our friendly, thorough team of experts. If you’d like a professional, detailed assessment of your existing home’s current condition or the condition of a home you’re interested in buying, contact us to set up an inspection that answers your questions and gives you the information you need to make good decisions about your home.
