How To Stabilize A Collapsing First Floor Over Basement

Why would we post a video where things didn t work out as planned.

How to stabilize a collapsing first floor over basement.

Stiffening upper floors typically requires removing some or all of the finished ceiling below. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too. On the other hand don t be surprised if a few of those once sticking doors and windows now operate just. When considering this option think about the.

Lower the hydraulic jack to transfer the floor load to the new screw jack. You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings. That means having an unfinished basement a basement with an easily removed suspended ceiling or an accessible crawlspace. House flipping brothers dave and rich demonstrate how not to raise a sagging floor.

In some cases when radically adjusting a floor don t be surprised if windows crack and doors stick. When nailed through the old subfloor and into the joists the new subfloor can help to reduce floor bounce. Be suspicious of wood posts set on dirt floors or wood posts with concrete poured around the post bases. Joists the primary structural member in a floor rarely span the entire width of a house.

The third fix solution c will work even if the ceiling is finished. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Over the lumber decking. Adjust the screw jack up or down to achieve a level surface.

Tom s solutions for fixing bouncy floors shown here in order of effectiveness are easiest on the first floor where joists are accessible from the basement or crawl space. Bouncy floors are one of the most vexing problems faced in houses both new and old. If your house is built over a basement first inspect all of the basement support beams and posts where they meet the floor. Otherwise you ll have to tear off the drywall or plaster.