Sagging floors are a common issue for many homeowners. Many people don’t know what to do about them, but the situation is not as bad as it seems. This article talks about how you can identify if your floor is sagging and reviews some of the most popular methods for repairing this issue.
Causes of Sagging Floors
Sagging floors are often caused by problems with the foundation of your home. Sometimes, you may only need to adjust some things on the exterior to fix this issue. However, if it is a more serious problem, hiring an expert will be necessary for repair work.
Poor Structural Support
According to places like ‘58 Foundations, one of the most common causes for a sagging floor is a problem with foundation support. If your home was built on unstable soil, then it may be sinking over time. Sagging floors occur when the land beneath becomes saturated from rain or water that infiltrates into the ground.
Over many years, this can cause significant damage to your property’s structure and lead to serious problems. It is important to have your foundation inspected if you are experiencing any issues with the stability of your home, especially if there are already visible signs of damage.
How to Fix Sagging Floors in a House?
There are many methods that you can use to fix sagging floors. The first step is to determine what type of issue your home has and how serious it may be.
For minor problems, there are a few DIY solutions for homeowners with some experience. However, if the situation requires more work or special equipment, you will need a professional to do it for you.
Fixing Sagging Floors with Sand
One of the cheapest ways to fix sagging floors is by using sand. Sand is poured between wooden beams or joists to restore proper support and balance under your home’s foundation. However, this method will only work if you have compatible soil conditions, so it may not be effective for everyone.
The first thing that you’ll need to do is identify where the sagging floor is. You can tell that your floors are sagging if they are bowed down, have visible gaps between boards or slats, and squeak when you walk on them.
Once you’ve identified the problematic areas, fill any cracks with caulk so sand will not leak out. You’ll then need to pour sand into the gaps. It may take a little bit of time to settle, but you can speed up this process by adding some weight on top of your floors. Such techniques will allow them to dry faster and prevent further damage until they are entirely set again.
How Do You Extend The Life of the Repairs?
Once you’ve fixed the problem, it is important to take steps to prevent sagging floors again. The latter is done by reinforcing your home’s foundation or performing regular maintenance on its exterior components that could lead to future issues with structural support.
Conclusively, sagging floors can be a nuisance to many homeowners. If you have already identified that your home has this issue, don’t worry because there are solutions for it.
