How to Fix Sagging Floors: The Ultimate Guide

Sagging floors are more than a nuisance. Not only do they create potential tripping hazards and take away from your home’s aesthetic appeal, but they can also point to serious structural damage.

On this page, we will explore what sagging floors are, what causes them, the options available for repairing them, and how Tar Heel approaches sagging floor repairs.

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What are Sagging Floors?

Sagging floors refer to floors that have developed a noticeable downward slope or depression, typically in the center or along a certain area.

What Causes Sagging Floors

Multiple factors can contribute to the problem of sagging floors, including:

Crawl Space Moisture: Excess moisture in crawl spaces can cause wood to swell and decay, leading to structural weakening.
Pest Infestation: Termites and other wood-damaging insects can negatively affect floor stability.
Floor Joist Spacing: If the joists are spaced too far apart, they won’t be able to adequately support the flooring above.
Installation Errors: Incorrect installation can result in sagging over time.
Foundation Shifts: A shifting or settling foundation beneath the floor joists can cause misalignment.
Age-Related Wear: Age and degradation of wood and supports over time can contribute to floor issues.

It’s important to address the issue of sagging floors as soon as they are identified. Crawl space repair professionals at Tar Heel Basement Systems can help you secure a lasting repair.

Methods for Fixing Sagging Floors

There are various methods homeowners use for fixing sagging floors, some more effective than others. Here are a few common solutions:

Concrete Columns

Concrete footings are poured throughout the crawl space floor. After the concrete has cured, concrete, brick, or cinder blocks are stacked on top of the footings, sometimes mortar can be placed in between each block.

While concrete columns are a common solution used to repair sagging floors, this option is time-consuming due to the wait time for the concrete and mortar to cure, while the solution height cannot be raised is permanent, it is also not adjustable. As the concrete column settles into the soil over time, additional shims may be needed between the uppermost concrete block and the girder. This is a fix that will need to be repeated throughout the years.

Additional Shimming

A temporary jack is used to lift the girder to make room for the shims. Wooden shims are then pushed between the existing column and the girder. The temporary jacks are then removed.

This is a cheap and easy way to fix sagging floors. However, it is a temporary fix, meaning that it won’t keep sagging floors at bay for very long.

Light-Duty Jack Posts

A small concrete block is laid on top of the soil, and a light-duty jack post is set into place. The light-duty jack post is then tightened to fit against the girder. This solution can be purchased at any local home improvement store.

While this solution is easy to access and can be installed by the homeowner, we recommend against any DIY solutions. The light-duty jack posts can only hold small amounts of weight, meaning they will provide only a temporary fix. Additionally, they fail to address the underlying foundational problem.

IntelliJack™ System

This system consists of galvanized steel columns secured to the beams or joists. A heavy-duty, threaded rod allows for a custom fit and adjustment for each IntelliJack™ system.

The IntelliJack™ will permanently stabilize floor joists and can even potentially help lift them and the floor back to their original position.

How Tar Heel Basement Systems Repairs Sagging Floors

At Tar Heel, we provide top-tier solutions to address your specific foundation repair needs. While every situation is unique, our methodical approach to fixing sagging floors includes:

In-depth professional assessment of your crawl space.
Diagnostic expertise to identify and tackle the root cause of floor sagging.
Strategic placement and adjustment of IntelliJack™ Crawl Space Jacks.
Customization of support jacks to fit your specific crawl space dimensions.

The IntelliJack™ Crawl Space Jacks provided by Tar Heel Basement Systems are engineered for strength, supporting over 24,000 lbs. each, surpassing industry benchmarks for structural support. Unlike basic support options available at retail stores, our jacks are part of a comprehensive approach, focusing on foundational stability for enduring results.

Stabilize Your Floors with Expert Help

We understand the frustration sagging floors can cause homeowners. During a free inspection, our professionals will assess your floors and crawl space to determine a comprehensive solution. Trust Tar Heel to restore your sagging floors and ensure your home is secure.