Getting the floor dropping in house repaired can be done with the proper materials and techniques. These materials can be used to get rid of the moisture problems and other structural damage that cause your floor to sag.
Structural Damage
Having a floor that drops off is stressful, but it may be indicative of structural damage. If left unchecked, structural damage can worsen over time. Luckily, you can tell if your house is in need of repair by noticing some telltale signs.
The most obvious structural problem in a home is a cracked foundation. If you are unsure, a structural engineer or home inspector can check for any problems.
Cracks are usually found in the foundation and can be treated effectively. A wider crack may require repointing the walls.
Besides cracks, there are a number of other structural problems that may plague a home. For instance, termites can cause floors to slant and ceilings to bow. If you suspect you have structural problems, you should contact your insurer immediately.
Another indicator that your home needs repair is if your doors aren’t closing properly. This can indicate water damage or a faulty wiring system.
A termite infestation can be devastating. The little pests can eat your floor, ceiling and even your wood framing. They can also cause a house to collapse.
Improper Loading of Floor Joists
Whether your house is new or old, improper loading of floor joists is a problem that can result in a sagging floor or even floor collapse. There are a number of factors that can cause this problem. However, the most common cause is termite damage.
Floor joists carry the weight of everything in a room. In order to distribute the load, joists need to be built evenly. If the joists are not built evenly, they can deflect, which can cause a bouncy floor.
Floor joists should be spaced at least 16 inches apart. You can find out how far apart joists should be by calculating the depth. Most floor joists are designed to carry a live load of 40 pounds per square foot. However, the dead load, or weight that’s not being used, should be 15 pounds per square foot.
Having a sagging floor can be a health hazard. If you see cracks in your flooring, they need to be stopped. Also, if you notice gaps between your floor and baseboards, they need to be repaired.
Moisture Damage
Keeping your wood floors from taking a bath can be a tricky business. If the humidity is too high, or your subfloor is too thin, you might be left with a parched floor. On the flip side, a well-maintained floor will retain its luster for years to come. You might even find that your floors are worth reselling in no time at all. Using the right products and tools, you’ll be able to keep your floors looking as good as the day they were installed.
One of the most common causes of floor damage is water seepage. This can occur for several reasons, including malfunctioning plumbing and appliances. It may be best to keep a watertight seal around your home’s entryways and exits to keep moisture out of your home. Alternatively, you might want to install newer, more dependable toilets and faucets to minimize the risk of a waterborne disaster. If you are lucky enough to have hardwood floors, you may want to install a waterproofing product to keep your floors looking good for years to come.
Repairing a Sagging Floor
Having a sagging floor in your home can be a serious problem. Not only is it unsafe for you and your family, but it also degrades the value of your home.
Floors that sag can indicate several problems, such as structural damage, termite infestation, or even water damage. These problems can all be addressed by a professional repair service.
Before you get started, it’s a good idea to get an inspection. Once you know what’s going on, you can decide what steps to take.
A structural engineer can help you figure out the underlying problem. This will give you a better idea of how to repair your sagging floor. Your repair service can also recommend strengthening measures to help remove the sag.
Depending on how extensive the damage is, the repair process could take a few days. You’ll also have to consider the cost of your repairs. The cost can vary depending on the type of repairs needed.
Sagging floors can cause problems for people with mobility issues, children, and older people. They can also lead to damage and even collapse. This is why it’s a good idea to get your floors repaired.