A gap between the floor and the interior wall is a sign of sagging floors and an issue in the crawl space below.
Floors above crawl spaces are susceptible to problems created within the crawl space itself. Moisture changes and weak foundation soils in a crawl space can cause columns to shift and settle. Sagging beams and floor joists are often the result of improper spacing of existing pier columns or weakened floor systems due to mold and wood rot. As these forces of nature occur in the crawl space, the floors above begin to also sink and sag. Sagging, sloping floors aren't just unsightly. When floors are uneven, they can also pose safety hazards. As with other foundation issues, sagging floors typically get worse over time. Thankfully, The Basement Transformer offers proven solutions with reliable warranties installed by dedicated professionals experienced in solving home structural problems. If you've noticed sagging floors in your home in Poughkeepsie, Wallkill, Newburgh or nearby, contact us today for a free repair estimate!
When floors over a crawl space sag, it’s usually due to one of three conditions.
When a crawl space is built, block or brick (sometimes even wood) columns are located throughout the space to support the weight of the structure above. If those columns are too far apart, the beam or girder spanning between the columns can become overloaded and sag. When the girder sags, so does the floor above it. The same can happen when floor joists span too far between support points.
Weak soil can cause the existing columns in the crawl space to sink or settle, often creating a gap between the top and the bottom of the girder it was supporting. Once the column settles, the girder sags, and the floors above sag. It's a chain reaction.
Because crawl spaces are often unsealed from the earth, wood exposed to moisture and humidity begins to rot, get moldy, and weaken. The weakened girders and floor joists cannot continue supporting the weight above, and the floor above the crawl space becomes bouncy and soft and may begin to sag.
We can permanently stabilize most sagging floors with SmartJack®. The SmartJack crawl space support system lifts and stabilizes existing beams and floor joists in your crawl space. A solid base of engineered fill addresses the problem of weak foundation soil by transferring the weight of the home to competent strata. Steel columns are secured to the beams or joists in the crawl space. Heavy-duty, threaded rods allow for adjustment and a custom fit for each SmartJack system installed.
Contact us today to request a free estimate for sagging floor repairs in Poughkeepsie, Wallkill, Newburgh, or surrounding areas in New York.
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