SAGGING FLOORS Why? and Should we FIX it?
So many of the old homes have this problem. Floors that sag. How much of a problem is it? Should they ALWAYS be fixed? What causes the problem.
Watch to see how I determine the extent of the problem, why it happened, and what should be done about it.
Transcript:
Sagging Floors, Why? And Should We Fix It?
Hello, this is Dennis with Own Rehab Pros. I'm glad to have you along. I have a job I need to inspect, and in fact, I've looked at this job before, and it's in really nice shape. However, they've noticed a sag in the second floor. This is very common when dealing with old houses like this one, which is about 60-70 years old.
We're going to take a closer look and see how much it has sagged. Let's head downstairs because I'm on the second floor right now. We'll go downstairs to see what's happening with the possible bearing issues of the house and determine if there's an easy fix. Quite frankly, it might even be that we'll leave it as is. The job looks good, the carpet is nice, everything's ready. They're prepared to sell it, and they might choose to keep it as is due to the potential extensive repair required to level the floor. So, let's take a look.
Allow me to show you what I'm doing with my level to assess the extent of the sag. I have a six-foot level that spans the length of the house, and I've placed a bar underneath it to ensure it's level. This will provide an accurate measurement in the middle.
As you can see, the level confirms that there is indeed a sag. Let's proceed with the measurement. I'll adjust it to get an accurate reading of the extent of the sag. The measurement reveals a significant sag of over two and a quarter inches.
Upon closer inspection, it's evident that this sag has affected the ceramic tile in the bathroom. While the tile hasn't shifted, it has cracked due to the sag. This demonstrates the impact of the sag on the house's structure.
Let's move downstairs to further examine the structure. The front wall is likely the bearing wall, and we can observe a slight sag in this area. Although not severe, it's worth noting. This sag is consistent with the aging of the house and the materials used in its construction.
Heading down to the basement reveals a more detailed view. The main beam in the basement also shows signs of sagging. Steel posts have been added to stabilize it and prevent further sagging. The bearing situation extends down to this beam, confirming its importance in supporting the structure.
Considering all these factors, I recommend that the owners sell the house as is. Attempting to repair the sag would likely involve significant work, including tearing up the floor and plaster. The house is stable, and the sag is a result of the natural aging process of the structure. Jacking up the beam in the basement could lead to unintended consequences and compromise the integrity of the house.
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