Sagging, Sloping, or Bouncy Floors? Get a PE Diagnosis
A floor that bounces when you walk across it - or a marble that rolls toward one wall - is your home telling you something is wrong underneath. A licensed Professional Engineer is the only person who can tell you whether it is a quick crawl-space fix or a foundation issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes a sagging floor in a Raleigh-area home?
- Most often it is one of five things: undersized original joists, failed or missing crawl-space piers, sill-plate or band-board rot from moisture, notched joists from old plumbing or HVAC, or differential foundation settlement. A licensed PE pinpoints which one - guessing leads to expensive wrong repairs.
- Is a bouncy floor a structural problem?
- Sometimes. A small amount of deflection is normal in any wood-framed home. Bouncing that has gotten worse over time, or that shakes dishes in a cabinet, is worth a PE evaluation - it usually means a joist, girder, or pier is not doing its job.
- How much does it cost to fix a sagging floor?
- Repair cost depends entirely on the cause. Replacing a single failed crawl-space pier might be a few hundred dollars; sistering joists and adding a new beam can run a few thousand; foundation underpinning is materially more. The PE evaluation is what tells you which conversation to have.
- Can you tell me what is wrong from photos?
- Sometimes we can give you a rough opinion from photos to help you decide whether a site visit is warranted. A stamped report and a real diagnosis always require an on-site PE evaluation.
- How fast can you schedule?
- Most Triangle appointments are scheduled within a few business days. Call (984) 370-3255 - if you are mid-renovation or under a real-estate clock, we prioritize the visit.