Installing new flooring in a house is a significant decision that requires careful consideration, especially when dealing with a subsided house. Subsidence refers to the sinking or settling of a structure’s foundations, which can lead to structural instability and characteristic cracks in the walls and floors. In such cases, homeowners may wonder if they can still install wooden floors, a popular and aesthetically pleasing choice. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to install wooden floors in a subsided house, taking into account the challenges and necessary precautions.
Understanding Subsidence
Before delving into the topic, it is essential to understand the nature and implications of subsidence. Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a structure sinks or moves unevenly, causing the building’s foundations to become misaligned. This movement often results from factors such as changes in soil moisture, geological conditions, tree roots, or poor construction practices. The signs of subsidence include cracks in walls, uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, and bowing or leaning walls.
Challenges in Installing Wooden Floors
When considering installing wooden floors in a subsided house, several challenges need to be addressed. These challenges arise from the potential continued movement of the building’s foundations and the unevenness of the floor.
- Stability of the foundations and unevenness: Subsided houses may continue to experience movement over time. This presents a challenge to maintaining the stability of the foundations. A wooden floor needs a solid, level subfloor to ensure durability and avoid issues such as gapping and warping. Addressing the unevenness caused by subsidence is crucial to prevent any future problems.
- Moisture and ventilation: Subsided houses often face issues with dampness and poor ventilation due to cracks in the walls and the misalignment of structural elements. Moisture can damage wooden floors, leading to swelling, cupping, or buckling. Adequate moisture prevention and ventilation measures must be taken before installing wooden flooring.
Precautions for Installing Wooden Floors in a Subsided House
Although installing wooden floors in a subsided house presents challenges, it is possible to mitigate these issues by implementing several precautions. These precautions can help ensure the stability and longevity of the wooden flooring while addressing the underlying subsidence concerns.
- Structural assessment: Before considering any flooring installations, it is crucial to have a thorough structural assessment by a qualified engineer or surveyor. They can evaluate the extent of the subsidence, determine if it is ongoing or stable, and suggest appropriate remedial measures.
- Foundation stabilization: If subsidence is ongoing, it is necessary to stabilize the foundations before proceeding with any flooring installation. This may involve methods such as underpinning, piling, or ground improvement techniques, depending on the specific case. Foundation stability is essential to provide a level and solid base for the wooden flooring.
- Subfloor preparation: Addressing the unevenness caused by subsidence is vital for a successful wooden flooring installation. The subfloor should be properly prepared by leveling it using self-leveling compounds or other suitable methods. This ensures a stable surface for the wooden flooring and minimizes the risk of further movement.
- Moisture prevention and ventilation: Given the potential dampness in subsided houses, it is crucial to implement moisture prevention measures. This can include installing moisture barriers, sealing cracks in walls, improving drainage systems, and enhancing ventilation. Additionally, it is necessary to monitor and control indoor humidity levels to prevent excessive moisture absorption by the wooden flooring.
- Flexible installation methods: Choosing a flexible installation method for the wooden flooring can accommodate any potential movement in the subsided house. Floating or engineered wood floors, rather than solid wood floors, are often recommended in such cases. These options can better handle minor changes in the subfloor without buckling or warping.
While installing wooden floors in a subsided house presents challenges, it can be accomplished with proper precautions and considerations. By addressing foundation stability, leveling the subfloor, implementing moisture prevention measures, and choosing suitable installation methods, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of wooden flooring in their subsided houses. However, it is crucial to seek professional advice and guidance from structural engineers or surveyors to ensure the safety, durability, and long-term stability of the flooring.