Sinking Floors in Michigan

So, what's the problem?

Uneven or unsettled floors are a common issue to experience when support beams in your crawl space are in disrepair. Crawl space sag can be identified both inside and outside of the crawl space itself.

How can I recognize crawl space sag?

Issues with your crawl space lead to sinking interior floors.

There are a few telltale signs that you have uneven floors in your Grand Rapids home, including:

Gaps between floors and baseboard
Uneven floors above the crawl space
Cracks in drywall
Sticking windows or doors

But, don't panic! With the help of a trained professional like Ayers Basement Systems, your sinking floors will be an issue of the past in no time.

Why is my crawl space sagging?

Crawl space with structural damage in Kalamazoo, Michigan & Indiana.

There are a variety of reasons for your sinking crawl space, such as:

Tilted, uneven, sinking, or rotting supports in the crawl space: Your crawl space is supported with a number of horizontal beams, occasionally combined with vertical support posts to maintain the integrity of the structure. The best way to identify this issue is to venture into the space and investigate for yourself — if you notice foul odors, dampness on the ground or on the wood of the floor above you, or see bent, warped, or sinking support beams, then you have found the source of your problem.
Existing brick or block columns are spaced too far apart: During the construction of your crawl space, brick or block columns were placed throughout to support the weight of your home's structure. Unfortunately, if the columns are too far away from each other, individual beams can become overloaded, leading to sagging between columns. Ultimately, this results in sinking interior floors.
Weak soils lead to column settlement: Columns can sink or settle due to weak soils, creating a gap between the top of the columns and the bottom of the girders they used to suport. This causes a chain reaction in which the column settles, the girder sags, and the floors above begin to fail.

Sinking floor problem questions & answers

A general rule of thumb is to worry about uneven floors if they slope more than an inch and a half over twenty feet. However, as with many home issues, it's better to be proactive to ensure you don't run into additional problems down the road. Also, uneven floors can become dangerous for people who have mobility issues, so it's important to have a professional complete an inspection as soon as possible to determine whether you should take action.

Plenty of old homes have uneven floors due to foundation shifts over time. However, if your floors slope more than an inch and a half in twenty feet, that could indicate a more serious issue. To prevent costly repairs down the road, you should consider having an expert complete a comprehensive inspection to determine the source of your sloping floors and provide you with a long-lasting solution.

There are a couple of reasons for uneven floors in your home. Sinking floors may be due to a foundation problem such as foundation settlement. Another reason your floors might be sinking is due to moisture in your crawl space, leading to wood rot and ultimately a sagging crawl space as the structure weakens.

Fix crawl space sagging today with Ayers Basement Systems.

What do I do now?

Crawl space repair solutions with Ayers Basement Systems

With Ayers Basement Systems, sagging crawl spaces are a worry of the past. We offer crawl space support jacks to level your floors and prevent future structural damage.

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