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. If your home has sloped floors, you need to know why. Call RedFish Inspections in Tomball to schedule a house elevation plot inspection and learn if your home is in trouble.
What Causes Sloping Floors in Your Home?
As mentioned above, a slight slope is generally not a reason for concern. However, sloped floors, especially those that worsen over time, can serve as an indicator of a more serious problem. Sloping can result from aging, foundation or framing issues, moisture problems, or expansive soil conditions. As with all things, the sooner you determine the source of the problem, the more likely you are to find an affordable, simple solution that prevents further damage to your home.
Is Sloping More Common in Old Houses?
Sloping floors are more common in older homes. It takes plenty of time for the floor to get affected by moisture or soil movement. Slopping or sagging is the most common issue that most homeowners with older homes face.
Sloping or Sagging in the Floor?
In addition to sloping, sagging floors can also be reason for concern. It is important to know the difference between the two, though, as they often indicate different kinds of problems. Sagging floors, for example, tend to slope inward from at least two directions. This typically results from framing issues, moisture damage, termite damage, or wear and tear in older homes. Comparatively, sloped floors are more likely to signify a foundation or soil issue in addition to potential framing issues.
What are Signs of a Sloped Floor?
If you can see the following things in your home, it indicates that the floor of your home is sloping, and you need to get it inspected as soon as possible. Indicators of a significant problem include:
- Foundation cracks
- Differential settlement of foundation or slab
- Wall and ceiling cracks
- Slanted walls (interior or exterior)
- Doors and/or windows that stick or do not open
- Cracked concrete slab
- Soil creep
How Much Slope is Not a Problem?
The degree to which your floor slopes or sags indicates whether or not you have reason for concern. Typically, floors that slope 1-1/2 inches or less by 20 feet are acceptable. Floors that have a slope of 2 inches or more in 20 feet indicate a problem with the foundation.
What Does Sloping on the Second Floor Indicate?
The extended damage due to the sloping floor affects the whole building. It causes cracks in walls, and the issue weakens the structure of the house. As a result, the slope can be seen on all floors of the building.
How to Fix a Sloped Floor?
Fixing a sloping floor can be an expensive process. But it can’t be postponed as the loss will increase, and the building will lose its strength and integrity. The process of fixing the floor depends upon the reason and loss that occurred. It is suggested that you get your home inspected as soon as possible to get the best possible solution for the sloping floor. It’s most likely that you have to go for foundation repair to adjust the food level of your building.
Is Foundation Repair an Easy Task?
Foundation repair is not an easy task. Only certified professionals should go for it. The structural integrity of a building lies on its foundation. The foundation repair may take at least two to three days (the number of days may vary according to the condition of the soil and area of the building).Â
Schedule an Inspection
If you own or are considering purchasing a home with sloped floors, contact RedFish Inspections today. Our home inspectors will measure the slope of your floors to the tenth of an inch, giving you an exact measurement of how level your floors are. A simple house elevation plot inspection can save your home from significant future damage and provide you with peace of mind. For a free quote on an inspection in the greater Houston area or to learn more about our other home inspection services, call (866) 218-6699.
