Causes of uneven floors

Structural issues / Foundation settlement

One of the most common causes of uneven floors in an old house or new house, sagging, or sloping floors, is settlement. 

Settlement is the process where a structure, like your home, sinks or settles into the ground. This occurs naturally, but oftentimes, homes settle too much or unevenly, causing severe structural issues. 

Causes of severe settlement/foundation issues: 

  • Expansive soil that expands as it takes on moisture during wet seasons and shrinks as it dries
  • Poor drainage around the foundation 
  • Soil that was not adequately compacted before construction
  • Large tree roots 
  • Learn more

Vancouver and Metro Vancouver have poor and expansive soils, especially in areas like Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, South Vancouver, Maple Ridge, just to name a few. However, we see all types of settlement throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland as well as Vancouver Island. 

Moisture or insect damage

Moisture or insect pests can cause floors to become uneven. Excess moisture or insects can be super destructive to internal structures and materials, especially if the problem has been around for a while. Water and pests can cause your floors and walls to warp and weaken, which can eventually affect the structural integrity of your home. 

Poor design or construction 

Sometimes it is simply lack of attention to detail and poor construction that can cause settlement. Constructing any structure is a complex project, especially when dealing with poor soils like what we have in Metro Vancouver. When dealing with structural construction (or repair)  a highly skilled team is needed to make a great final product. 

Gap between floor and wall

Dangers of sloping or uneven floors 

If you notice that your floors are beginning to sag or slope, it could be indicating a larger issue (like settlement). There are also some risks that follow along with uneven floors: 

  • Higher risk for damage such as water leaks or insects 
  • Increasing stress on the rest of the home
  • Ignoring the issue can cause it to worsen and spread throughout the home (cracking walls and separation)
Home animation with foundation issues and structural issues

How to repair uneven floors 

Depending on the issue at hand, you may have different options for fixing uneven floors in an old house. 

If you are looking for a quick fix, you might consider trying self levelling compounds or grinding. 

If your uneven floor is related to a structural issue, a DIY fix won’t solve the problem. In this case, it’s best to get a professional opinion and seek foundation repair options. 

Once we have determined that there is a foundation problem, True Level Concrete has effective repair solutions that address the root cause of the issues and stabilize your home. Our structural repair methods include underpinning with various types of piers that restore structural integrity to your home permanently. 

To learn more about our foundation repair methods, please get in touch with our team. Or, book a free quote appointment to determine if your foundation is the issue. 

Vancouver Special foundation repair 

Do you think you have settlement issues in your Vancouver special? We have successfully saved tonnes of Vancouver specials from settlement and ongoing issues. Our team are BC’s leading experts at foundation repair solutions for Vancouver Specials. Book a free quote appointment, and we can take a look at your concerns and create a repair plan for you.

sunken floor uneven floor with man holding a level