What To Do If Your House Isn't Level? | Terrafirm Leveling

What to Do If Your House Isn’t Level?

If you’ve started noticing uneven floors, cracks in the walls, or doors that just won’t close properly, your house might be out of level. An unlevel house can cause a variety of problems, from minor annoyances to serious structural issues.

But before you panic, it’s important to understand the causes, solutions, and steps to take when dealing with an unlevel home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what to do if your house isn’t level, and how to address the problem effectively.

Key Takeaways

An unlevel house can be caused by factors like soil movement, foundation settling, or water damage.
There are several signs of an unlevel house, including sloping floors, cracks in walls, and sticking doors or windows.
Addressing the issue typically involves inspecting the foundation, choosing the right leveling method, and preventing future problems by addressing underlying causes like drainage and soil stability.

Why Houses Become Unlevel

Before jumping into how to fix an unlevel house, it’s essential to understand why houses become unlevel in the first place. While the symptoms of an unlevel house are relatively easy to spot, the causes can be more complex. Here are some of the most common reasons why houses lose their levelness over time:

1. Soil Movement

In areas like the Texas Gulf Coast, soil movement is one of the most common causes of foundation problems. The soil beneath your home can expand when it’s wet and contract when it’s dry. Over time, this constant shifting can cause the foundation to settle unevenly, leading to sloping floors and cracks in the walls.

2. Natural Settling

All houses settle over time. As the soil compacts and shifts beneath the foundation, minor settling occurs. However, if the settling is uneven or excessive, it can lead to significant foundation issues and an unlevel house. Older homes are particularly susceptible to uneven settling as the foundation weakens over time.

3. Water Damage

Water is a major factor in foundation problems. Poor drainage around your home can cause water to pool around the foundation, leading to erosion of the soil and eventual settling of the foundation. Leaking plumbing, gutter problems, or even natural flooding can contribute to this issue.

4. Poor Construction

Unfortunately, some houses are built on improperly compacted soil or with substandard materials, leading to foundation problems down the road. If the foundation wasn’t properly reinforced or the soil wasn’t adequately prepared during construction, the house is more likely to become unlevel over time.

5. Tree Roots

Believe it or not, large trees near your home can contribute to foundation problems. As tree roots grow and expand, they can push against the foundation, causing it to shift or settle unevenly. This is particularly common in older homes where large trees have had decades to grow and spread their roots.

Signs That Your House Is Unlevel

If you’re unsure whether your house is out of level, there are several signs that can help you identify the problem. While some of these symptoms may seem minor at first, they can indicate underlying foundation issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Here are some of the most common signs that your house may not be level:

1. Sloping or Uneven Floors

One of the most obvious signs of an unlevel house is uneven or sloping floors. If you notice that furniture seems to tilt, or if you feel like you’re walking uphill or downhill in certain rooms, your house is likely experiencing foundation settling.

2. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings

Cracks in the walls or ceilings are a telltale sign of foundation movement. Small hairline cracks are often nothing to worry about, but larger, widening cracks—especially those that appear in a stair-step pattern—can indicate more serious foundation issues.

3. Sticking Doors and Windows

If doors and windows are sticking or no longer closing properly, it’s a strong sign that your house has shifted. As the foundation settles unevenly, the frames around doors and windows can become misaligned, causing them to stick or jam.

4. Gaps Between the Floor and Walls

If you notice gaps forming between the baseboards and the floor, or if the floorboards seem to pull away from the walls, it’s a sign that the foundation is shifting. These gaps may widen over time if the foundation continues to settle unevenly.

5. Bouncy or Sagging Floors

If your floors feel bouncy or sag when you walk on them, it’s a sign that the foundation or the support beams beneath the floor may have weakened. This can happen in older homes where the wooden beams have started to decay or warp, leading to an uneven foundation.

What to Do if Your House Isn’t Level

Once you’ve identified that your house is unlevel, the next step is to figure out what to do about it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to approach the situation and ensure your home is properly leveled and stabilized.

1. Get a Professional Foundation Inspection

The first step in addressing an unlevel house is to have a professional foundation inspection. A qualified contractor or structural engineer will assess the extent of the damage and identify the root cause of the foundation problems. This inspection will help determine whether minor repairs or more extensive leveling work is needed.

What Happens During a Foundation Inspection?

The contractor will look for visible signs of foundation issues, such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, or misaligned doors and windows.
They will use tools like a laser level or water level to measure the degree of sloping and unevenness in the floors.
They will also check for signs of water damage or drainage issues that could be contributing to the foundation problems.

2. Choose the Right Leveling Method

Once the foundation inspection is complete, the contractor will recommend the best method for leveling your house based on the type of foundation and the severity of the damage. Here are some common methods used to level a house:

Hydraulic Jacking

For homes with pier and beam foundations, hydraulic jacking is often the preferred method for leveling. This process involves using hydraulic jacks to lift the house back into position. Once the house is lifted, additional supports, such as concrete blocks or steel piers, are installed to keep the foundation stable.

Steel or Helical Piers

In cases where the foundation has shifted significantly due to soil movement, steel or helical piers may be used. These piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock, providing a solid foundation for the house. The house is then lifted and anchored to the piers, preventing future settling.

Concrete Pilings

For slab foundations, concrete pilings may be the best solution. These are precast concrete columns that are driven deep into the ground beneath the foundation. Once in place, they support the foundation and prevent further settling. This method is often used in areas with unstable soil, like the Texas Gulf Coast.

Slabjacking or Mudjacking

For minor foundation problems, slabjacking (also known as mudjacking) may be used. This involves injecting a mixture of sand, cement, and water beneath the foundation to lift it back into place. Slabjacking is less invasive and can be completed more quickly than other methods, but it’s only suitable for smaller issues.

3. Address Underlying Issues

Fixing the foundation alone may not be enough to prevent future problems. It’s important to address any underlying issues that caused the foundation to settle in the first place. Here are some common issues that need to be resolved to ensure long-term stability:

Improve Drainage

Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation problems. If water is pooling around your home’s foundation, it can erode the soil and cause uneven settling. Installing gutters, downspouts, and French drains can help direct water away from your foundation and prevent future damage.

Control Soil Moisture

In regions with expansive clay soils, managing soil moisture is essential to preventing foundation problems. During dry periods, consider watering the soil around your home to prevent it from contracting and causing foundation movement. During wet seasons, ensure your drainage systems are functioning properly to prevent oversaturation of the soil.

Repair Leaks

If plumbing leaks or other sources of water are contributing to foundation problems, they need to be repaired immediately. A leaking pipe beneath the foundation can cause significant erosion and lead to future settling.

4. Make Final Adjustments and Repairs

Once the house has been leveled and the underlying issues have been addressed, the final step is to make any necessary adjustments and repairs. This may include:

Patching Cracks: Cracks in the walls, ceilings, or floors should be patched and repaired to restore the appearance of your home.
Realigning Doors and Windows: If doors and windows have become misaligned due to foundation settling, they may need to be adjusted or rehung.
Cosmetic Repairs: Any cosmetic damage caused by the foundation movement, such as damaged trim or baseboards, should be repaired.

5. Schedule Regular Inspections

Even after your house has been leveled, it’s important to schedule regular foundation inspections to catch any future problems early. This is especially true in areas like the Texas Gulf Coast, where soil movement and moisture levels can lead to ongoing foundation issues. By addressing small problems early, you can avoid larger, more expensive repairs down the road.

Conclusion

If your house isn’t level, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. By getting a professional foundation inspection, choosing the right leveling method, and addressing underlying issues like drainage and soil stability, you can restore your home to its original level and ensure it remains safe and stable for years to come.

In regions prone to soil movement and water damage, like the Texas Gulf Coast, it’s especially important to stay on top of foundation maintenance to prevent future problems. With the right approach, you can fix your unlevel house and protect your investment in the long term.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to level a house?

The cost of leveling a house varies depending on the severity of the foundation issues, the size of the home, and the method used. It can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands for more extensive repairs.

2. How long does it take to level a house?

The time it takes to level a house depends on the method used and the extent of the foundation problems. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

3. Can I level my house myself?

Leveling a house is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. It’s best left to professionals to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

4. What causes a house to become unlevel?

Houses can become unlevel due to soil movement, poor drainage, water damage, and natural settling. In regions like the Texas Gulf Coast, expansive clay soils are a common cause of foundation problems.

5. Will leveling my house fix all foundation issues?

Leveling your house can address the root cause of foundation problems, but additional repairs may be needed to fix cracks, realign doors, and prevent future settling.