Have you noticed that things are a little off-level in your home? Are you concerned that your floor might eventually tip all your furniture to one side of the room? You’re not imagining things! Uneven floors are a common issue that many homeowners face, especially in the Vancouver region. Uneven or sloping floors are more than just annoying, they can also be indicating underlying issues with your home’s foundation.
This is your ultimate guide on how to level an uneven or sloping floor
The result of settlement over time can lead to noticeable sloping or unevenness in your floors. More factors like poor soil compaction, excessive moisture, and even the natural settling of your home over time can contribute to this problem.
Hold on. Why are my floors uneven and sloping?
One common culprit for uneven floors? Soil settlement. Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, and Vancouver Island are home to some very expansive soils. The soils in our area expand with wet seasons and shrink with dry seasons, leaving huge voids and gaps under our homes. This causes them to lose structural stability as well as sink in some areas.
The result of settlement over time can lead to noticeable sloping or unevenness in your floors. More factors like poor soil compaction, excessive moisture, and even the natural settling of your home over time can contribute to this problem.
Why uneven floors matter
Ignoring an uneven or sloping floor can lead to more serious issues down the road. Uneven floors not only detract from the aesthetics of your home but can also affect its structural integrity. They cause problems with doors and windows not closing properly, cracks in walls and ceilings, and even damage to plumbing and electrical systems. Foundation and settlement problems don’t get better with time. Addressing the underlying cause of the problem is important to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and stability of your home.
If you are planning on renovating or selling your home, it’s crucial to ensure that your foundation is in good, level condition prior.
How to level your uneven or sloping floor:
The Solution: Foundation Repair with Piering Method or Smartjacks
One, highly effective solution for addressing uneven floors caused by soil settlement is foundation repair with a piering method. This method involves stabilizing and lifting the foundation by installing steel piers deep into the ground below the affected areas. These piers provide quality support and in many cases, can even lift the home back up to level. Therefore, this is a permanent solution for settlement and often restores the home’s value.
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Assessment: Our specialist will do a thorough inspection of your home’s foundation. Then we can determine the root cause of the problem and the best option for you to fix it.
- Preparation: Before installation, the area around the foundation will be cleared and excavated to allow access to the house’s footing.
- Pier Installation: Steel piers will be driven deep into the soil until they reach stable bedrock or load-bearing strata. These piers will support the weight of the foundation and prevent further settling.
- Lift and Level: Then, hydraulic jacks can be used to lift and level the foundation to its original position. Restoring the integrity of the structure above. We have lifted a home over 7 inches!
- Recovery & Repair: With the foundation stabilized and leveled, any damage to the floors, walls, or other structural elements can be repaired, restoring your home to its former glory.
Benefits of Piering Method:
- Permanent Solution: Foundation repair with a piering method provides a long-lasting solution to uneven floors, addressing the underlying cause of the problem.
- Minimal Disruption: Compared to traditional methods like concrete underpinning, piering requires less excavation and causes minimal disruption to your home and landscaping.
- Versatility: Piering can be used to stabilize foundations of all types, including slab-on-grade, crawl space, and basement foundations.
- Increased Property Value: By addressing foundation issues and ensuring the stability of your home, you can increase its resale value and attract potential buyers.
Smartjacks as a Crawlspace Solution:
In addition to the piering method, SmartJacks offer an effective solution for how to level uneven or sloping floor through crawlspaces. SmartJacks are adjustable steel supports that are installed beneath sagging floor joists to provide additional support and lift. They can be adjusted over time to accommodate changes in the soil as well as ensure long-term stability for your floors.
For a less severe settlement issue, SmartJacks might be the perfect solution.
Benefits of SmartJacks:
- Adjustable: SmartJacks can be easily adjusted to provide the precise level of support needed for your floors.
- Durable: Made of high-quality steel, smartjacks are designed to withstand the test of time, providing lasting support for your home.
- Cost-effective: Installing smartjacks is often more affordable than traditional foundation repair methods, making them a cost-effective solution for uneven floors.
Ok, I might be settling…
If you’re pretty sure that your home is settling and having foundation issues, call our reliable team at True Level Concrete. Foundation repair with a piering method offers a reliable and permanent fix that will level your floors and restore your peace of mind. Invest in the stability and safety of your home today!
The best part is that we offer FREE quotes for homeowners in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, as well as the Fraser Valley. Call BC’s leading foundation repair and concrete levelling contractors.