There are several methods for restoring uneven floors, each suited to different levels of unevenness: Sanding and refinishing: This method is ideal for fixing small surface-level irregularities caused by warping or cupping. Sanding smooths out the uneven areas, and refinishing restores the wood's original appearance.
The typical costs for repairing sagging floors start at $1000 and can go up to $10,000, with the average rate being around $300 per square foot. But this can vary depending on the extent of the damage and materials needed to get the job done.
Uneven floors are often the first sign that your home requires professional foundation repair. Addressing issues early saves time and money on foundation repair costs.
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) Subfloors must be structurally sound.
For very uneven flooring, laminate sheets or tiles may be a better bet. This material is more flexible, but may reveal the imperfections in the surface. The most durable and attractive option for an uneven floor is often a pour on option, such as epoxy.
Planeing: Planeing involves shaving wood from high spots to even out the floor. This technique is commonly used when a hardwood floor has mild unevenness but doesn't require a full refinishing. Shimming: If the subfloor is uneven, shimming can be used to fill in gaps between the floorboards and subfloor.
In some cases, uneven floors may simply be caused by settling foundation or changes in temperature and humidity. However, more serious problems, such as foundation damage, can also cause floors to become uneven.
This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.
So, if your home has uneven floors, you should contact a foundation repair professional and request an inspection. Problems caught early can be less expensive to repair.
Though floor sloping is a common problem, it isn't purely a cosmetic problem. Floor sloping can indicate that there's a much more severe issue at hand. Sloping floors can signify that there is significant structural damage to a home's foundation, warped floor joists, or water damage requiring foundation repair.
Yes, you can sell your house without fixing the sagging floors, but be prepared for a lower sale price and potential buyer concerns. Full disclosure of the issue is necessary to maintain transparency and avoid legal issues.
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 common for older houses to have some degree of unevenness in their floors. Over time, various factors like settling, wear and tear, and environmental conditions can cause floors to shift slightly. While a minor slope might not cause concern, unevenness could indicate underlying issues that need attention.
Foot Traffic and Wear
Over time, this can lead to all kinds of wood floor damage. For homes with children, pets, or frequent gatherings, refinishing may be necessary every 7–10 years. In contrast, floors in low-traffic areas, like bedrooms or formal dining rooms, might only need refinishing every 10–15 years.
Put a mark on the board at the 3 feet point. Now, measure the adjacent board from the same corner to 4 feet and put a mark there. Then, measure the distance between the two marks. If it is 5 feet, then you have a perfectly square corner.
The 'Less than Three' Rule. Having more than two different types of floors colliding with one another is confusing to the eyes and may make your space seem cluttered or mismatched. When making your design choices, do not exceed more than two different types of material per floor of your home.
If you're considering purchasing a home with uneven floors, don't wait to investigate the potential issues beneath the home's surface. The slope or slant of the floor may be a minor cosmetic issue, or it could indicate water damage or major problems with the home's structure or foundation.
Uneven floors pose a serious risk of slips, trips, stumbles and falls. Our feet instinctively know to expect even and consistent flooring. Have you ever walked onto uneven flooring? It's a jarring experience, even if you don't fall down.
Most houses do some amount of settling over time, but large, sudden changes are not usually a good thing. “Some cracks are normal, but if big ones suddenly appear, that's a red flag,” says Lesh.
Average Cost to Level the Floor in a House
We know, we know… it's frustrating, but it does depend on factors like the size of the slab, the severity of the damage, and the area in which you reside. On average, you are looking at about $3 – $5 per square foot.
One of the best ways to fix the issue of uneven floor is to use floor patch product. It can be used in concrete subfloor or wooden subfloor. It is best for leveling floors that has dips, slanting issues, cracks and chipping problems.
Both vinyl and laminate floors are versatile and durable options that can be installed over slightly uneven surfaces. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to clean and maintain, and come in a wide range of patterns and colors so you don't have to sacrifice style for function.