Homes built over a crawl space often lack the solid foundation support provided by a basement. Over time, this can lead to sagging or sloping floors, especially in older homes. Sagging floors not only create uneven walking surfaces but can also indicate serious structural issues that, if ignored, may worsen and detract from your home’s value. At Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs in Atlanta, GA, we specialize in resolving these issues by reinforcing and leveling floors with advanced techniques.
Why Do Floors Sag Over Crawl Spaces?
Crawl spaces offer several advantages, including easy access to plumbing and electrical systems. However, these areas can also be prone to structural problems due to insufficient support. Common causes of sagging floors over crawl spaces include:
- Aging Construction: Older homes may have weakened or deteriorated floor joists and beams.
- Soil Shifting: Unstable or eroding soil beneath the crawl space can lead to the settling of supports.
- Inadequate Support: Some homes may have been built without proper support structures for the floor joists.
- Moisture Damage: High humidity or water infiltration in crawl spaces can cause wood rot, weakening joists and beams.
How We Fix Sagging Floors
At Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs, we use proven techniques to restore and level sagging floors. Here is an overview of our process:
1. Installing Steel Floor Leveling Beams
To strengthen and level the floor, we install 6-inch steel floor leveling beams. These beams provide additional support for the weakened floor structure, helping to distribute weight evenly across the crawl space. This reinforcement prevents further sagging and enhances the overall stability of the floor.
2. Using Precast Concrete Supplemental Footers
A common challenge when working with crawl spaces is the lack of a solid foundation for the leveling beams to rest upon. To address this, we install precast concrete-engineered supplemental footers. These footers, which are six inches thick and can be either 24 inches round or 18 inches square, are placed on poured concrete footings to create a stable base for the leveling beams. This foundation ensures long-lasting support.
3. Raising the Floor with Hydraulic Jacks
Once the support system is in place, we use hydraulic floor jacks to gently lift the sagging floor. The jacks gradually raise the floor as close to its original level as possible, minimizing stress on the structure. This process requires precision and expertise to avoid causing further damage.
4. Reinforcing or Repairing Damaged Joists
In cases where existing floor joists are cracked or weakened, we reinforce them to restore structural integrity. Broken joists are spliced and strengthened with additional supports, ensuring that the floor remains level and sturdy.
Why Professional Repair Is Essential
Fixing a sagging floor over a crawl space is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. This is not a DIY project, as improper repairs can lead to further structural issues and safety hazards. Our team at Anglin’s has extensive experience in floor leveling and structural reinforcement, making us the trusted choice for homeowners in Atlanta.
Protect Your Home’s Value
A sagging floor is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can be a sign of deeper structural problems that may impact your home’s safety and resale value. Addressing the problem promptly with professional repairs helps maintain your home’s integrity and comfort.
Schedule a Free Assessment
If you’re dealing with a sagging or uneven floor over a crawl space, Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs is here to help. We offer free assessments to evaluate your floor’s condition and provide a detailed estimate for repairs. Contact us today to restore your floor to a safe, level, and structurally sound condition.
Posted on behalf of John Anglin, Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
