Sinking or Uneven Floors – Who Should I Call?
A floor that has started sinking, sloping, bouncing or becoming uneven can have several possible causes. The problem may involve the floor itself, supporting timbers, the ground below or movement elsewhere in the building, so identifying the cause is important before deciding how to repair it.
Ask About Your Floor ProblemWhy Has My Floor Become Uneven?
Some properties have floors that have never been perfectly level, particularly older and traditionally constructed buildings. A longstanding slope is therefore different from a floor that has recently started to move.
Changes can occur within suspended timber floors, solid floors or the structure supporting them. Moisture, deterioration, ground conditions and alterations to the building can all potentially play a part.
The most useful question is often whether the floor itself is failing or whether it is showing movement occurring elsewhere.
Different Floor Problems Can Point to Different Causes
Floor Sloping to One Side
A noticeable slope may be longstanding or may have developed because something supporting the floor has moved. Recent changes deserve more attention than historic unevenness.
Floor Sinking in One Area
A local dip or sinking section may relate to supporting timbers, the sub-floor, a solid floor or conditions beneath the affected area.
Bouncy or Springy Floor
Excessive movement underfoot can sometimes be associated with floor joists, supporting structures, deterioration or previous alterations.
Gaps Around Skirting Boards
New gaps between the floor and skirting may provide a visible indication that the floor level has changed relative to the surrounding walls.
Cracked Floor Tiles or Screed
Cracking in a solid floor or finishes can sometimes indicate movement, although the finish itself can also fail independently of the structure.
Doors No Longer Closing Properly
If floor movement occurs alongside sticking doors, wall cracks or other distortion, it may be useful to consider the building as a whole.
What Can Cause a Floor to Sink or Move?
The cause depends heavily on the type and age of the floor. Suspended timber floors and solid ground floors have very different structures beneath the visible surface.
Avoid assuming that an uneven floor automatically means subsidence. Several more localised building defects can produce similar symptoms.
Who Can Investigate a Sinking or Uneven Floor?
Building Surveyor
A surveyor can be a useful first point of contact where the cause is unclear and the floor problem needs to be considered alongside the age, construction and wider condition of the property.
Structural Engineer
Where significant structural or foundation movement is suspected, a structural engineer may be appropriate to assess the supporting structure and advise on further investigation.
Specialist Contractor or Builder
Once the cause is known, repair could involve a timber specialist, builder, groundworks contractor, structural repair company or another contractor experienced with the particular defect.
Are Uneven Floors Normal in an Old House?
Older properties frequently contain floors that are not perfectly level. Historic movement, traditional construction and alterations made over many decades can leave floors with slopes and irregularities.
That does not mean every uneven floor needs correcting. What matters is whether the condition appears longstanding and stable or represents a recent change.
If an old floor has suddenly dropped, become noticeably more uneven or is accompanied by new cracking, it is sensible to investigate what has changed.
When speaking to a surveyor or contractor, explain whether the floor has always been uneven or whether you have noticed it becoming worse. Photos, dates and other changes around the property can help build a clearer picture.
Has a Floor Started Sinking or Becoming Uneven?
Send us a brief description, your location and photographs through WhatsApp. Tell us whether the problem is recent and if you have noticed cracking or other movement elsewhere. We'll help point you towards the type of specialist who may be appropriate.