Are your floors feeling bouncy under your feet? This can be a cause for concern as it not only affects the structural integrity of your home but also poses safety risks for those living inside. So, what do bouncy floors actually mean? In this blog post, we will explore the various causes of bouncy floors and provide tips on how to address them before they escalate into bigger issues.
What Causes Bouncy Floors?
If you have a crawl space foundation, bouncy floors can be caused by various things, including the following:
Joist Problems: The joists support the floor. If there’s an issue with the joists, you will likely have floor problems. The joists might be spaced too far apart, weakened by damage from pests, wood rot, or moisture. Even general wear and tear can weaken the floor joists as time passes, leading to a progressively bouncy floor.
Not Enough Support: There may be issues with the support system, including the joists, that could lead to a bouncy floor. If the support structures aren’t supported sufficiently, which could be from a support post that has shifted or perhaps one that was not installed properly, the floor may not get the support it needs from underneath.
Too Much Load: As we continue accumulating furniture and other heavy items, it could eventually overload the floor joists and cause a problem with a bouncy floor.
Foundation Settlement: Foundation settlement can cause a bouncy floor due to the uneven distribution of weight and support across the structure. When a foundation settles unevenly, it can create areas of higher and lower elevation within the building. This can lead to an imbalance in the load-bearing capacity of the floor, resulting in areas that feel bouncy or unstable.
Additionally, as the foundation settles, it can cause the floor joists to become misaligned, leading to further inconsistencies in support. It’s important to address foundation settlement promptly to prevent further structural issues and ensure the safety and stability of the building.
Know the Signs of Foundation Problems
Bouncy floors are sometimes one of the first signs that more significant foundation problems are occurring. It may be seen on its own, but it is typically seen along with other signs that issues are happening behind the scenes.
If you notice some of these signs of foundation problems, you should monitor them carefully. If they are progressive or you see multiple issues, immediately contact a foundation repair contractor for a foundation inspection.
Cracks in the Walls and Ceilings: If the foundation is sinking, pressure is put on the entire frame of the home. That pressure could cause the drywall to crack.
You may notice cracks near the doors and windows, where the door and window frames are also under pressure. Some cracks may also extend from the wall and continue onto the ceiling.
Cracked or Leaning Chimneys: The chimney is like a barometer for your foundation. If problems occur, then the chimney is likely to be one of the first areas where this is recognized. You may notice the chimney cracking, leaning, or separating from the main structure.
Sticking Windows and Doors: Many homeowners also notice this issue, which is often associated with foundation problems. Due to the pressure on the door and window frames, they may get out of square, and the windows and doors can stick when you open or close them.
Sloping Floors: Bouncy floors are one problem, but it may also be an issue with a sloping or uneven floor. Homeowners often notice this problem because they feel as if they are stumbling when they walk across the room. You can check the floor with a carpenter’s level.
How Do You Fix Bouncy Floors?
Fixing a problem with bouncy floors is often not a DIY project. It requires special equipment, tools, and experience to get the job done right.
Several different things may need to be done, depending on why the problem is occurring. Here are some things to consider.
Foundation Inspection: A critical factor for fixing bouncy floors is to have the foundation inspected by an experienced foundation repair contractor. If they find a problem, they can offer the correct repair solution.
Underpinning: This repair method fixes bouncy floors when they are caused by differential foundation settlement. Underpinning utilizes push or helical piers, which are inserted into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil or bedrock. After being attached to the foundation, they stabilize it and can even be used to raise the foundation as much as possible without causing damage.
Floor Joist Repairs: If the problem is with the floor joists, sistering is a common repair method. Rather than removing the old floor joist, a stronger, new joist is attached to it to provide additional stability and support.
Replace the Support Posts or Install Screw Jacks: In some cases, replacing or repairing any support posts that have deteriorated may be necessary. Adjustable screw jacks are also used in some cases, particularly in crawl spaces.
If you have questions about your bouncy floors or what may be done to fix the issue, contact AMC911 today to schedule an evaluation and receive a repair estimate.
