Fixing Crooked Floors: What Causes Them & How to Make Them Level Again

Are Your Floors Uneven? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Crooked, sloping, or sagging floors aren’t just an eyesore—they can be a sign of serious structural issues. Whether your floors are tilting slightly or have noticeable dips, it’s essential to understand the cause and how to fix it properly.

At MTL Contractors, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing uneven floors the right way, ensuring your home is safe, level, and built to last. Here’s what you need to know before tackling floor repairs.

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1. What Causes Crooked Floors?

Uneven floors are usually a symptom of a bigger underlying issue. Here are the most common causes:

✔ Foundation Settling – Over time, houses naturally settle, but excessive shifting can lead to uneven floors.

✔ Weak or Deteriorating Joists – Old, undersized, or damaged joists can sag under the weight of your home.

✔ Improper Past Renovations – DIY fixes or past remodels that didn’t reinforce the floor structure correctly.

✔ Moisture & Rot – Water damage from leaks or poor ventilation can weaken subfloors and joists.

✔ Pest Damage – Termites and carpenter ants can destroy wood supports, leading to sagging floors.

✔ Load-Bearing Wall Removal – If a load-bearing wall was removed improperly, the structure may shift.

🚨 Red Flag: If your floors are sloping dramatically or getting worse over time, it’s time to call in a professional.

2. How to Diagnose Uneven Floors

Before fixing crooked floors, we determine the root cause. Here’s how we assess the problem:

✔ Check for Cracks & Gaps – Look for gaps between floors and baseboards or cracks in walls and ceilings.

✔ Use a Level or Laser – A simple level can confirm whether your floors are sloping.

✔ Inspect the Basement or Crawl Space – Look for sagging beams, cracked joists, or shifting supports.

✔ Look for Sticking Doors & Windows – These can indicate structural movement.

✔ Monitor Over Time – Floors that continue to shift may point to an active structural issue.

🚨 Red Flag: If your doors no longer close properly or furniture tilts on its own, your floors may need urgent attention.

3. How We Fix Crooked Floors

The right solution depends on what’s causing the issue. Here’s how we properly level floors:

🔹 Re-Supporting the Foundation

✔ Adding support beams or jack posts – Reinforces weak or sagging areas.

✔ Foundation underpinning – Strengthens a settling foundation with piers or concrete footings.

✔ Waterproofing & drainage fixes – Keeps moisture from weakening the foundation.

🔹 Reinforcing Floor Joists & Beams

✔ Sistering joists – Adding new, reinforced joists alongside existing ones to provide extra support.

✔ Beam replacement – Swapping out deteriorating or undersized beams for stronger materials.

✔ Adjustable jack posts – Gradually lifting sunken floors back into place.

🔹 Self-Leveling Compounds for Minor Issues

✔ For small dips & slopes – A self-leveling compound can be poured to even out the surface.

✔ Best for subfloor preparation – Used before installing new flooring.

🚨 Pro Tip: Temporary fixes like shimming or patching over uneven floors won’t solve the real issue. Proper structural work is key.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Fix Uneven Floors?

💰 Cost Breakdown

💰 Minor Floor Leveling ($1K - $5K)

• Self-leveling compound, minor subfloor repairs.

💰 Joist & Beam Reinforcement ($5K - $15K)

• Sistering joists, adding supports, replacing damaged beams.

💰 Foundation Repair & Structural Work ($15K - $50K+)

• Underpinning, major beam replacements, and fixing severe sagging.

🚨 Pro Tip: The sooner you address crooked floors, the less expensive the fix will be.

Why Work With MTL Contractors?

Fixing uneven floors isn’t just about making things look better—it’s about ensuring the structural integrity of your home. At MTL Contractors, we provide expert assessments and lasting solutions to keep your floors solid and level.

Here’s what makes us different:

✅ Expert Structural Assessments – We find the real cause before starting repairs.

✅ Licensed, Bonded & Insured – No cutting corners. No surprises. Just expert work, done right.

✅ Honest Pricing & No BS – We give you real numbers upfront, so you know what to expect.

✅ A Team You Can Trust – From foundation work to joist reinforcement, we handle it all.

If your floors are sagging, sloping, or just don’t feel right, let’s talk. Book a consultation with MTL Contractors today, and let’s make your floors level again.

🚀 Don’t forget! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert renovation tips!

Fixing Crooked Floors: What Causes Them & How to Make Them Level Again