Uneven, sagging, or sloping floors can cause a homeowner a great deal of stress. Sloping floors can develop in any age home, but it is especially common for older houses in the Metro Vancouver area. 

When a floor begins to slope away from the wall, sag in areas, or become uneven, it could be for a number of reasons. It is important to investigate the source of your sloping floor as soon as you notice the issue so that you can determine if it will get worse.

Are sloping floors in older homes normal? 

The answer is yes, it is normal for old houses to develop uneven, sloping, or saggy floors. It is also common for newer homes to develop sloping floors, especially in areas with soft soil or quick development. 

Why does my home have uneven sloping floors?

Sloping or uneven floors can be caused by a number of factors such as structural damage, floor supports failing, or water leaks. The most common cause of uneven floors is actually settlement, which leads to structural damage and is caused by the soil. 

Homes will experience settlement problems due to the soils below expanding with wet weather and shrinking in dry weather. This natural process manipulates the soil beneath the home and might leave voids, or lose compact stability, and then the home starts to sink. This sinking causes several problems throughout the structure of the home, including uneven floors. 

Vancouver, metro Vancouver, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island are all high risk areas for settlement due to the changing weather conditions and rain.

 

Are uneven floors dangerous?

A sinking home sounds dramatic, but it is actually a very slow process. The good news is that there is plenty of time to stop the settling process and prevent the issues from worsening. 

Sloping floors in your home are not necessarily dangerous, and you can live happily in a home with uneven floors. But if your sloping floors are linked with settlement, it can definitely lead to more serious issues. 

Indicators of settlement: 

• Sloping, sagging, uneven floors
• Gaps between floors and walls
• Trim separations 
• Cracks in drywall or the ceiling 
• Doors and windows sticking 
• Foundation cracks 

Issues linked to settlement: 

• Pests entering the home 
• Water leaks or plumbing leaks 
• Doors and windows not working properly
• Cold air leaks 
• Hydro bills increased 
• Home renovations will be off level
• Home value decreased 

How to fix uneven sloping floors

In most cases, fixing a sloping or uneven floor can be an expensive and lengthy process. You might be unsure of which contractor to recruit for the job. This is why in many cases, homeowners will choose to ignore the problem and accept the loss of value. However, that’s when worse, more expensive issues arise. 

If your home is experiencing uneven, sloping floors, or any other indicators of settlement, it’s a good idea to have a professional assess the situation as soon as possible. In cases of settlement, you should be seeking a foundation repair contractor. 

Catching problems early & Finding the solution 

The best way to begin fixing your sloping floors is to begin with a thorough professional; assessment of your concerns. Have a trusted, reputable professional locate the source of the sloping floor issue, and proceed with repairs from there. 

Get in touch with our team to schedule an assessment appointment. Our specialist can conduct a thorough assessment of your concerns and help you determine the root cause of the issues. Our specialist will also deliver a project quote that’s tailored to your home’s needs, budget, and goals. 

The settlement repair process

Our team at True Level Concrete have mastered the foundation repair process. We have successfully repaired thousands of homes, resulting in permanent stabilization and eliminating any future issues. The best part? Our team is reliable, efficient, and will do the best job guaranteed. 

The foundation repair process typically takes about a week to complete, give or take, depending on the complexity of your project. Our team uses non-invasive methods and ensures that your home remains intact while ensuring a permanent fix. Give yourself peace of mind knowing that your home is permanently fixed, winter leaks and higher bills are no longer a worry, and you can provide a safe home for your loved ones. 

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about settlement or foundation repair, or book in your FREE, no-obligation repair quote.