Sagging Floors: Causes, Warning Signs, and Repair Solutions
If you observe that the flooring in your residence, situated above a crawl space, is displaying signs of unevenness or instability, it might be indicative of the effects of moisture and the passage of time. The description:duction of moisture into the crawl space below can lead to sagging floors or a somewhat bouncy sensation under the weight of the house and its contents.
Indicators of Sagging Floors in a Residence
The most prevalent indicator of sagging floors within a home is the noticeable departure from level in the appearance of the floor. A conspicuous gap between the joists and floorboards from the crawl space’s underside also serves as evidence of this issue. Additional indications encompass an uneven walking experience across the floor and the movement of a marble in a particular direction when placed on the floor. Insufficient support or deteriorating joists stand out as primary culprits behind sagging floors in residential structures.
One of the prime locations to examine for sagging floors is around doorways or entrances. If the door frame appears misaligned with the floor, it could signify settling due to subpar construction quality, shifts in the foundation, or even potential water and moisture-related harm. Additional telltale signals of sagging floors encompass observable cracks or gaps between adjoining walls.
Causes of Sagging Floors above a Crawl Space
A sagging floor within your dwelling materializes when the floor joists, which bear the weight of the floor, become weakened and start to sag due to excessive moisture infiltrating the crawl space below. If unaddressed, this concern can give rise to an array of other complications, including the cupping or warping of wooden flooring, the emergence of cracks in drywall, and more extensive structural deterioration.
A crawl space featuring an earth floor or one exposed to outdoor elements often contends with elevated moisture levels, even in the absence of water leaks or standing water. This increased moisture content is attributed to external humidity permeating through the earth, open vents, as well as cracks or gaps in the walls. The humidity can permeate the wooden framework of your residence, including the floor system.
Hence, it is no surprise that numerous homes encounter sagging or slightly yielding floors situated above their crawl spaces.
Preventative Measures and Remediation
The ideal preventive solution is our Crawl Space Waterproofing Solution. This encapsulation system effectively blocks the ingress of moist and humid air into the crawl space. Additionally, a specialized crawl space dehumidifier is installed to condition the environment, thereby maintaining dryness and thwarting floor sagging.
In instances where sagging has already manifested, our floor stabilization jacks offer a remedy. Employing pressurized jacks, we can re-stabilize a sagging floor and potentially restore it to a level state.
If you’re ready to correct your home’s sagging floors and take steps to prevent future issues, contact SouthernDry for a free consultation.
