Sloping floors are an unfortunately common frustration for many homeowners. Some estimates show that 25% of all homes will experience foundation issues, with sloping or otherwise uneven floors being among some of the most common signs. As unsightly as a sloping floor can be, it can also cause structural damage requiring attention.
With uneven floors being a major structural problem, you’ll want this problem taken care of as soon as possible. However, you’ll need to make sure that you discover the cause of your sloping floor first. When you know the cause, you’ll be able to pick the best solution.
Read on to learn more about why some homes have uneven floors and what can be done about them.
Settling and Shifting in Your Home’s Foundation
Settling occurs in all homes over time. In the normal course of settling, you’ll have to wait it out, because there is no particular process that allows you to control how the settling occurs. A positive bit of news is that most home settling is harmless.
When major, obvious defects occur because of settling, extra supports or other reinforcing will usually resolve everything. However, if the soil under your foundation is unstable, this may present a bigger problem to address. Such problems may lead to damage that becomes more expensive to fix over time.
This type of shifting may occur naturally or due to flaws during construction. Because this is usually a slow process, you will typically have enough warning to get this issue resolved before things get too serious. However, needless delays should be avoided.
Excess Water: a Common Cause of Sloping Floors
When there is excess water near your foundation or under your floor, it can lead to sloping floors. Any amount of extra moisture can be a problem, even if you’re not seeing large puddles on your property. Uneven floors are a sign you need to take action, regardless.
Excess water can warp your structures, making your flooring and walls unstable. During freezes, which are common during cold Kansas City winters, expansion can result in breakage. Your personal possessions and even your safety are at risk in such circumstances.
Foundation Cracks and Their Flooring Impact
Sometimes, settling or shifting in a foundation, or water damage, is severe enough to lead to cracks. Even though foundation cracks can affect every part of your home, the floor is where the damage will likely be the most obvious.
Relatively small cracks can result in floors being uneven, with significant slopes or dips. Even if your floor has carpeting or tiling where cracks aren’t as visible, you’ll notice the difference as you walk across the floor. Sometimes, if you have wooden floorboards or tiles, you might see parts of the flooring pop up.
When the uneven flooring is easy to see, you’ll need to seek professional repair services. Getting the issues related to your flooring problem resolved will help restore some normalcy in your home.
Sloping Floors: Could Worn Materials or Poor Construction Be to Blame?
If you have an older home, it’s possible that ear is a factor. Although foundations should ideally, last for the life of the home, older buildings may feature material that is not as long-lasting. Moisture damage can be a factor if your yard’s drainage could be better.
Sometimes, contractors overlook important steps to save time. Poor planning in laying the foundation could lead to problems further along because of issues with the soil or slope that were not handled properly. When such issues occur, it might be a long time after the home’s construction.
When you’re concerned about issues with uneven flooring or anything else that may signal foundation issues, KC Pier can help. Contact us today about your sloping floors or any other signs that you’re having.