Old San Antonio homes have undeniable charm. But uneven floors? They take away from the character and can be a source of frustration for homeowners. If uneven floors are making you consider selling, don’t worry. There are solutions available to fix the problem, depending on the severity of the issue. This guide will walk you through the steps of identifying why your floors are uneven and provide easy steps on how to fix uneven floors in an old house in San Antonio.
Keep in mind that fixing uneven floors can be time-consuming and expensive. If you need to sell your home quickly and want to avoid costly repairs, we’ll discuss an alternative like Sell My House Fast San Antonio TX.
Causes of Uneven Floors in Old San Antonio Homes
Older homes often settle over time, and sometimes that settling isn’t even. Here’s what could be causing those uneven floors in your San Antonio house:
Foundation Settlement
San Antonio’s soil has a high clay content, which expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This constant shifting puts pressure on your home’s foundation, sometimes leading to cracks and uneven floors. If these issues seem overwhelming, you might consider learning how to sell your house with foundation issues in San Antonio.
Termite Damage
Wood-framed homes are especially vulnerable to termites. These pests eat away at joists and subflooring, weakening the structure under your feet. Look for signs like mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or piles of discarded wings.
Learn all about termites in Texas and expert tips on how to prevent them here.
Improper Construction or Past Repairs
Houses built decades ago may not adhere to modern building codes. Additionally, if previous repairs were done poorly, they could cause more problems down the line, including uneven floors.
Water Damage
Leaks from plumbing or even a poorly drained yard can saturate the wood components beneath your floor. This leads to warping, rotting, and eventually, unevenness as the wood weakens.
How To Assess the Extent of Your Uneven Floors Problem
Before you start fixing, you need to know how bad the problem is. You can do a basic assessment by following the tips below.
Do a Visual Inspection
Walk around each room, paying close attention to sloping floors, visible dips or sags, and cracks in the flooring or walls. Look for problem areas around doors or windows where they might not close properly due to unevenness.
Use Leveling Tools
A simple carpenter’s level is your best friend here. Place it in different areas of your floor to measure the degree of slope. A long level (4 feet or more) is ideal for larger sections. Note down any areas where the bubble in the level is significantly off-center.
Get Under the House (if possible)
If you have a crawl space or basement, venture down there with a flashlight. Look for signs of water damage, rotting wood, cracked support beams, or any visible termite damage.
Call a Professional
If you notice significant sloping (more than an inch or two over several feet), major cracks, or suspect serious structural damage, it’s time to call in a pro. A structural engineer or foundation specialist can offer a thorough evaluation and recommend the best course of action.
Remember, this assessment is just a starting point. The more information you gather, the better prepared you’ll be to fix the problem or sell your house as-is.
How To Fix Uneven House Floors
The right way to fix your floors depends on how bad the problem is. Let’s look at minor, moderate, and major fixes:
Minor Fixes
Floor patch products are great for filling in dips, smoothing out small slopes, and fixing cracks. They’re easy to use and you can find them at most home improvement stores.
If the problem is just one low spot under your floor, shimming can help. It means slipping in thin pieces of wood to raise the area. This is a quick fix, but it’s best for very small issues.
Moderate Fixes
If your floor joists (the beams underneath) are sagging or damaged, sistering adds support. This means attaching new joists to the old ones. This is usually a job for a carpenter or someone handy.
For larger areas sagging, adding extra posts or piers in your crawl space or basement can help. This is a job for a contractor.
Major Fixes
If your whole foundation has settled unevenly, you’ll need a foundation repair company. They use special equipment to carefully lift and level your foundation.
In the worst cases, you might need to replace the entire subfloor (the layer under your finished flooring). This is a huge, expensive project, so definitely call in the pros.
You might be able to tackle some of these fixes yourself. But if you’re not sure what’s causing the problem or how to fix it, it’s always best to get a professional opinion.
Sell Your San Antonio House and Avoid Costly Repairs
It’s not easy to fix uneven floors by yourself. It takes time, costs money, and you risk making things worse if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re already stressed and need to sell fast, DIY repairs probably aren’t the answer.
That’s where Sell My House Fast SA TX comes in. We buy houses for cash, as-is, even with uneven floors. That means no fixing anything, no dealing with realtors, no fees, and no waiting for a buyer. We make the process quick and easy, especially for homeowners who need to sell fast.
Need To Sell Your San Antonio Home With Uneven Floors? Get Your Offer Now!
Uneven floors in an old San Antonio home are common, but they don’t have to spell disaster. There are ways to address the problem, from DIY fixes to major repairs. But remember, if you need to sell quickly and want to avoid the stress and expense of repairs, there’s another option.
Sell My House Fast SA TX buys houses as-is, giving you a fast way to sell your home, even if you’re unsure how to fix uneven floors in an old house in San Antonio. Contact us for a no-obligation offer and see how easy selling your house can be.