Uneven floors in a home aren’t only unsightly, but they also pose a safety issue for people and pets. They’re often caused by structural problems, and if not addressed promptly, they can lead to more extensive problems in the future. The professionals from Forever Builders, one of the premier home remodeling and flooring companies San Diego homeowners trust for outstanding craftsmanship and exceptional service, explain some ways a flooring professional or home remodeling contractor can identify areas of unevenness and restore your floor so it provides you with a solid foundation for years to come.
Identifying the Cause of an Uneven Floor
The first step an experienced contractor will take is identifying the actual cause of your flooring problem. The contractor will use a special tool known as a level to check the alignment of the floors and then move around the home while placing the level at various locations on the floor. If significant variances are discovered, the contractor will investigate further.
Uneven floors can be caused by foundation problems, subfloor issues, and even normal settling of a house. It’s important to note that if your floor is uneven as a result of foundation problems, you may need to contact a structural engineer or other foundation specialist to assess the situation and make necessary repairs.
Restoring Floors with Shims & Flooring Compound
After the remodeling or flooring contractor has identified the cause of the uneven floors, the professional may fix the uneven areas and gaps with shims, which are wood or plastic wedges that can make them level. Wood or plastic shims can be used to level out minor areas of unevenness. However, if extensive adjustments need to be made, a special flooring compound may be necessary. After the flooring compound has dried and settled, the floor will look and feel level once again.
Strengthening Subfloors
If the uneven floor is related to subfloor problems, the remodeling contractor may need to reinforce it. During this procedure, the contractor will secure the existing subfloor to make sure it’s structurally sound. Techniques used for the reinforcement process include adding additional layers of wood or installing beams under the subfloor. Not only does this strengthen the subfloor and restore evenness, but it can also prevent future problems associated with a weak subfloor.
Reinforcing Joists
Uneven floors can sometimes be caused by joist problems. Joists are horizontal wooden boards typically used to make a strong frame on which a floor can be built. The remodeling contractor can attach new joists to the existing frame joists to reinforce the structure underneath the floor. This technique, called joist sistering, not only redistributes weight and load but also adds stability and levelness to the floor. After the joist sistering procedure has been completed, the floors will look even, and you won’t experience the unsettling or unstable feeling that can often accompany walking on an uneven floor.
Whether you need flooring installation, exterior or interior painting, or a whole home renovation, get your home remodeling project done the right way by hiring experienced professionals. The experts from Forever Builders are remodeling contractors San Diego homeowners can trust to provide the most affordable home remodeling services and ensure their visions become reality. From design to completion, we’ll help you create the home you’ve always wanted, meeting all your expectations while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our outstanding remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today.