Uneven floors are most common in old homes because the home's foundation shifts over time. For example, it may take about 15-20 years for a foundation to shift and the floors to become uneven.
Uneven or sloping floors are very common in older homes, and while it's often a sign of structural damage, it doesn't have to be a dealbreaker.
In some cases, a slight slope may be normal and not cause for concern. However, if the slope is severe or getting worse over time, it could be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate attention. One potential risk of sloping floors is damage to the structural integrity of the home.
Uneven floors are rarely caused by problems with the floor itself. The cause is usually settling or shifting of the foundation underneath the floors. If the floor beams and joists are made from wood, like the ones above a crawl space, they will usually bend rather than crack.
Sloping Floors Caused by Foundation Settlement Issues
Over time, foundations sink into incompetent, non-load-bearing soil, causing the interior floor to slope or slant. This weak soil is referred to as expansive soil because it e x p a n d s when there is excess moisture and shrinks when the moisture dries out.
Instead, hiring a flooring repair contractor may be the better option, especially when it comes to leveling floors in old houses. Homeowners can expect to pay between $2 and $30 per square foot of professional floor leveling, depending on the required approach.
Does home insurance cover foundation movement or sagging floors? Foundation damage caused by shifting or settling earth or sagging floors caused by rotting floor joists are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage is caused by flooding or an earthquake, you'll typically require separate coverage.
It's estimated that around 25% of homes will experience some kind of structural issues during their lifetimes. One common sign of this kind of problem is uneven floors, which are not only unattractive but can also be dangerous.
No subfloor is perfectly level, but any signs of unevenness and high or low spots must be remedied. Please follow these requirements: Subfloor unevenness cannot be greater than 3/16 of an inch over a 10-foot span or 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span. Subfloors must not slope more than ½ inch per 6 feet (25 mm per 1.8 m)
Although no subfloor is perfectly level, you should always try to get it as perfectly level as possible. This is important especially if you are installing very thin, flexible flooring like luxury vinyl tile (LVT).
Average Cost to Level the Floor in a House
On average, you are looking at about $3 – $5 per square foot.
One of the primary causes of uneven floors is foundation issues. If the foundation of your home is unstable or has settled over time, it can cause the floors to become uneven. This is particularly common in older homes that were built on pier and beam foundations.
In layman's terms, this means typical 2-by-10 floor joists, spanning 16 feet, can be expected to sag about one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch. Not much; however, as the span increases, so does the amount of deflection. In any case, the floor system can be repaired.
Dips and bumps in a floor can be caused by many factors, but whatever the reason for their existence, one thing is certain: you won't be able to install the flooring correctly until the uneven floor has been fixed. The best and simplest way to do this is by applying a self-levelling compound.
Foundation reinforcement or replacement may help to renew the structural integrity of one's home and help to level the floors. Foundation reinforcement can help with less serious foundational problems by adding in reinforcing rods or supports without removing any of the home's existing foundation.
Most flooring manufacturers recommend a variation of no more than 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span. Floor leveling is a relatively easy DIY project, although some subfloors with rot, insect damage, or structural issues may require professional attention.
While sagging floors are unsightly, they can be dangerous as well. A sagging floor means that it has lost support, and it may eventually collapse into lower levels of the home. The overall structure of your home could be at risk, therefore making repairs a priority is imperative.
Many homes have floors that are not perfectly level. Oftentimes, a slight slope is no big deal. On the other hand, a sloping floor that worsens over time can be an indicator of a much more significant issue.
Uneven floor surfaces, such as broken and cracked sidewalks, unlevel floors and carpets and rugs that do not stay in place are the source of many fall incidents. According to Robson Forensics, snow rain, ice, and obstructions contribute to slip-and-fall accidents as well.
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not include coverage for valuable jewelry, artwork, other collectibles, identity theft protection, or damage caused by an earthquake or a flood.
Uneven floors are not only harsh on the eyes, but they're a hazard to the home. Sagging floors can indicate there's damaged wood under your flooring, that one of your supports is deteriorating, or that there are problems with the foundations.
One of the good things about floor deflection is that it is repairable. The bad news is that it often takes a long time. The solution to sagging floors, or the damaged sills and joist ends that contribute to them, often involves jacking.
There are self-leveling coatings designed to fill gaps and cracks. You could also try using vinyl floor tiles to make the transition more gradual. Probably the easiest (and cheapest) thing to do would be to get a big diamond grinding wheel and bevel down the lip.
House leveling is a very important form of foundation repair that can solve all sorts of annoyances, such as sticking windows/doors, foundation cracks, drywall cracks, and more. House leveling shouldn't be a complicated process that leaves you unsure whether it's the right solution for your home.