There are different types of foundation, each with a typical expected longevity based on the environment where a structure is set up and the materials that were used for construction. Despite the difference in their “shelf life,” one thing that is common to all, whether it’s wood or concrete, is that foundations are bound to experience integrity issues at some point. The experts at Taylor Foundations have often said that the moment you see a crack in the wall or a change in how the floor is leveled, the first identified culprit would be the foundation.
Issues With Your Flooring
When it comes to your floor, there are usual signs that indicate they are foundation-related, while others may be identified through careful assessment by a professional. Also, it’s not that easy to find the right people to do the job. If you have a slab foundation, for instance, you will need to get in touch with structural engineers and experienced teams that specialize in this type.
A slab foundation is made entirely of concrete and creates a raised surface for your house to sit on, so it does not have to be directly on the ground. This way, when the soil does not cooperate and or there is a shift on the earth that your structure stands on, your house does not fall apart that easily. However, if this does happen to your property, you can expect that your flooring will show signs of a problem if your foundation is experiencing issues.
While repair and rehabilitation of foundations are left to the expertise of engineers, homeowners can still take proactive steps to prevent damage in the flooring. For one you can check if your floor is level by placing a ball or a round object and see if it rolls to a certain direction where it has not when your house was brand new. This strategy seems simplistic but it a good first step to finding out if your floor is uneven.
Causes of Uneven Flooring
Excessive moisture, incorrectly compacted soil under your house, soil and earth movement, settlement (in the case of antique homes), tree roots, and insect damage are some of the most common causes of uneven flooring. Typical building standards recommend that floors not have more 1/4” of depressions and must not have a slope that goes more than 1/240th of the room’s width. Foundation issues, such as sagging or cracking, can also affect floor leveling.
When you spot these problems, have them assessed and fixed as soon as possible for prevent further damage (and expenses) in the future. Having uneven floors and foundational problems fixed is costly—and it is an expense that nobody wants to stress over. If you have a slab flooring, note that a total rehabilitation of your foundation will mean that your entire household might need to move temporarily to get the entire area fixed. To get the issues addressed the moment you spot them, it’s best to call the professionals.