As mentioned above, it's common to find slanted floors in a house more than 15 years old due to the home's foundation shifting over time. However, the uneven floor may be an indicator of a larger, unseen problem with the house.
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.
Over time, the soil beneath your home can shift due to natural expansion and contraction caused by changes in moisture levels. This can impact your foundation, leading to uneven floors. Before construction, builders take measures to compact the soil to maintain a sturdy foundation and prevent future settling.
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.
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.
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.
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).
If you're installing new floors in your home, it's important that the subfloor is level. It'll not only look better, but level floors will last longer. Fixing most minor high or low spots is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project that you can complete with a few tools in a weekend.
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.
Many homeowners and owners of commercial property have dealt with a sagging floor. Floors can sag for many reasons. For instance, they may sag due to the natural settling of your property or building materials over time. However, a sagging floor may also signify damage from water leaks or pests, like termites.
If a floor is uneven or has some type of inconsistency, people in the vicinity of that floor are put at risk for tripping, stumbling or falling down. When a floor is hazardously uneven, it's up to the property owner to fix and adequately maintain that floor.
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 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.
Most manufacturers recommend that the floor be flat to within 3/16” in a 10 ft. radius. These measurements are consistent with most other types of floor coverings. On floating floors, vertical movement needs to be kept to a minimum.
The best option for slightly uneven subfloors is a direct stick installation (involving nails & glue) if this is a viable option. Floating flooring is not recommended for uneven floors as this increases risk of the planks moving or splitting apart.
The feeling of bounce is caused by the flooring moving downward when weight is applied (stepped on). The flooring moves or bounces as it is not properly supported from underneath which puts added pressure on the flooring joints, in most cases causing them to separate, break or squeak.
Leveling floors can take up to six hours depending on the space being covered. Expansion foam is used first to fill small gaps, and then a rubber-based primer seals the bottom layer before the self-leveling compound is spread on top. An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.
The best flooring for uneven floors due to its attractiveness and durability is epoxy, which can also be designed to mimic a wide variety of appearances. Not only will epoxy finish out the floor, but it'll also even it out.
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.
Typically, homeowners opt for the same flooring throughout their homes because it creates a cohesive, seamless look. However, some homeowners prefer to mix and match flooring to create a more unique and functional design for their space.