How to Fix Sloping Floors in Old House (Reasons & Solutions)

Sloping of the floor has been the most common problem in old houses built in the last century. The sloping floors are the main reasons for slips and accidents in the house. Additionally, it is very easy to view the unlevel floors, which is the main sign of structural issues that must be fixed immediately to avoid inconvenience.

If you are looking for the answer to this question of how to fix sloping floors in an old house, then you are at the blog. We are going to reveal the reasons and solutions behind this problem in detail. So, without any further, let’s get started.  

Reasons Behind The Sloping Floors In Old House 

Before going towards the cure of sloping floors, it is mandatory to know the reasons behind this happening. For this concern, we have compiled some reasons below. Let’s explore them one by one. 

• Settlement Problems 

One of the main reasons for the sloping floors in the old house is the settlement problems. These include uneven settlement, foundation cracks, poor soil compaction, water damage, foundation underpinning, and poor drainage. The unlevel of the floor typically ranges from 1-2 inches of slope per 10 feet of floor length. 

• Foundation Cracks 

The second reason behind this problem is foundation cracks. These cracks can cause differential settlement, which ultimately causes the slope on the floors. Foundation cracks typically range from ⅙ inches to ⅛ inches. If you do not treat these cracks immediately, it can cause a slope on the floor 1-2 inches above the room. 

• Poor Soil Compaction 

Poor soil compaction is another reason for the sloping floors in the old house. If the solid compaction is less than 95 pcf, it can cause a slope of 1 inch to 1.5 inches over the room span. The slope may vary depending on the degree of soil compaction deficiency. 

• Humidity Level 

The fourth reason on the list is water damage. The excess water beneath the foundation weakens it. High humidity level can cause floor cupping as well as sloping floors. If the humidity level is more than 20-25% in the foundation, the sloping floors can range from 1 to 3 inches over the room span. 

• Insufficient Underpinning 

Last but not least is insufficient underpinning. This problem occurs during construction. If the underpinning depth is less than 6 feet or comprises inadequate reinforcement, it can cause the slope in the old house floor to increase by 2 to 3 inches. 

Solution To Fix The Sloping Floors In Old House

There are various ways to fix the sloping floors in old houses. Here, we have compiled a few that will not require much time and money to fix the issue quickly. Have a look at them: 

• Underpinning 

Underpinning is the easiest, quickest, and most affordable way to fix sloping floors. It strengthens and reinforces old house structures to minimize the problem. It can be done 1.5 to 3 meters below the existing foundation. 

The piers are driven deep into the ground under the foundation during the process. It will help to stabilize the home. After that, it will be lifted with hydraulic pressure to level the foundation. Underpinning requires 1.5 to 3 cubic meters of concrete per linear foundation meter. 

This process can be completed in 2 to 8 weeks. The project’s time frame depends on the structure’s complexity and size. Furthermore, the estimated cost required for this process is 366.08 AED to 450 AED. 

• Foundation Replacement

The second method is foundation replacement. You must follow this method if the foundation damage is severe and cannot be fixed. It usually happens when you ignore signs like sloping and slanting floors. This process typically involves the help of experienced structural engineers with consulting fees of 3,660.85 AED. 

Additionally, the materials required for the foundation replacement are 2 to 4 cubic meters of concrete, which costs around 1,830.42 AED. This process comprises different steps like assessment, designing, permitting, site preparation, excavation, removal of the old foundation, installation of the new foundation, backfilling, and waterproofing. 

Ultimately, foundation replacement will take around 4 to 13 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the task. 

• Screw Jack Installation

The third step is screw jack installation. You can perform this method by yourself if you have little knowledge about the tools and supplies used during the process. First of all, analyze the floor carefully. Note down the degree of the slope. After that, estimate the number of screw jacks required for the process according to the slope measurements. 

You will need to place a screw jack after 4 to 6 feet. Ultimately the number of screw jacks can range from 1 to 10.  Now carefully install the screw jack 1 to 2 feet below the sloping floor. 

To maximize the stability of the jack and floor, position the screw jack at an angle perpendicular to the slope of the floor. Lastly, level the jack with the help of a laser level. 

Hire A Flooring Company in Dubai To Fix Floor Related Issues

If you lack the necessary tools, expertise, or time to fix flooring-related issues yourself, hiring a flooring company like Floorland in Dubai can be a wise choice. 

As the best flooring company in Dubai, Floorland offers a variety of flooring types including laminate flooring Dubai, SPC flooring Dubai, rubber flooring Dubai, and many more. They provide excellent flooring services and even offer free samples for you to check before making a decision, ensuring you get the best solution for your flooring needs.

Other Floor-Related Guide

How to Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors

Why Is There a Gap Between Floor and Wall & How to Fix It

Final Words 

This article is all about fixing sloping floors in an old house and its reasons and solutions. To fix this problem for a longer duration, understand the core reason behind the sloping floor and follow the fixing solution accordingly. 

Some indicators of sloping floors are rolling dropped objects to a specific area, unbalanced furniture placement (table, chair), and a bouncy feel while walking on the floor. If you see any sign on your floors, it will indicate slopes, so fix it as soon as possible.