Uneven Floors and Doors That Won’t Close Properly
What’s Really Going On With Your Floors and Doors?
Why These Issues Might Be Tied to Your Foundation
Have you noticed your uneven floors aren’t quite level anymore? Or maybe your interior doors suddenly won’t latch, or seem to stick for no reason? While these issues may seem like minor annoyances, they could be signs of something more serious, such as foundation settlement, foundation damage, or structural damage. At Appalachian Foundation Services, we help homeowners identify the root cause behind uneven floors and sticking doors — and, more importantly, how to address them.
Why Are My Floors Uneven and Doors Sticking?
Many homeowners are unaware that uneven floors and doors that won’t close properly often share a common underlying issue: structural problems within the home’s foundation or crawl space. Your foundation and support system — including crawl space encapsulation and floor joists — are responsible for keeping everything level and square. When those systems shift, settle, or weaken, further damage begins to show up throughout your house.
Common signs of foundation problems and structural floor damage:
- Sagging or sloped floors.
- Floors that feel bouncy or soft underfoot.
- Sticking doors or doors that won’t latch.
- Gaps between doors and frames.
- The door frame is out of square.
- Cracks near doors and windows, along walls, or in the foundation.
- Uneven or damaged subfloor.
What Causes Uneven Floors and Sticking Doors?
1. Foundation Settlement and Differential Settlement
Over time, the soil beneath your foundation can expand and contract due to changes in moisture, poor drainage, or natural shifts in the ground. This process, known as differential settlement, leads to uneven pressure on your concrete slab or foundation walls. As a major cause of foundation issues, foundation settlement can pull parts of your home out of alignment. As your foundation dips unevenly, it can result in:
- Uneven, sloped, or sinking floors.
- Misaligned doors and window frames.
- Cracks around doors, windows, and along interior walls.
Are uneven floors always a sign of foundation settlement?
Not always — but they’re one of the most common causes of structural issues. A thorough inspection by our team can help identify the extent of the problem.
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“Hunter and his crew were amazing to work with. There was a horizontal crack in the foundation of our new (but very old) house, and Hunter came out promptly to give us an assessment of the damage and an estimate of the repairs.
He and his crew were timely, communicative, and super professional. They answered all of our questions and addressed all our concerns! Would recommend them to anyone needing foundation work!” – Caroline Beatrous
2. Damaged or Failing Crawl Space Supports
In many older homes, moisture and water damage in the crawl space can cause wood rot or weakened joists. When crawl space encapsulation is lacking or poorly installed, moisture damage worsens, leading to:
- Sagging or bouncy floors.
- Difficulty closing doors near affected areas.
- Gaps around doors or door frames are out of square.
- Accelerated structural damage.
3. Moisture and Soil Movement Due to Poor Drainage
Heavy rainfall and poor drainage around your yard and home can saturate the soil under your foundation, causing erosion and soil instability. This is often worsened by missing or clogged gutters, absent downspout extensions, or a lack of a drain tile system to direct water away from your foundation.
Consequences include:
- Soil shifting and foundation settlement.
- Swelling wood framing is causing the doors to stick.
- Cracks in your foundation, walls, and concrete slab.
- Mold and mildew growth due to persistent moisture.
Are These Issues Dangerous?
They can be. Uneven floors and sticking doors may seem cosmetic at first, but ignoring these signs can lead to serious safety concerns and costly repairs.
Risks of ignoring uneven floors and foundation problems:
- Increased structural damage and significant repair costs.
- Heightened trip-and-fall hazards from uneven floors.
- Water intrusion, mold, and pest infestations.
- Doors that jam or won’t open in emergencies affect safety.
- Reduced home value and potential resale issues.
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Can floor joist damage cause doors not to close?
Yes — damaged or weakened joists can pull your door frame out of square, making doors stick or creating gaps.
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“The inspection process was very informative, low-pressure and honest.
Also want to give them credit on the work — they took on some items that I have struggled to get other contractors to commit to and along the way addressed all concerns I had quickly and made sure I walked away feeling good about the job.
Work done: joist sistering, rim joist blocking, general crawlspace repair, window well installation, crawlspace door replacement.
I can confidently say Appalachian Foundation Services is not one of those companies that cuts corners or disappears on you.” – Griffin Brown
Can Uneven Floors Be Fixed Without Replacing the Foundation?
In many cases, yes. Not every home with sloped floors needs a complete foundation replacement. Effective foundation repair and structural solutions often include:
- Foundation underpinning using push or helical piers to stabilize and level your slab.
- Installing or repairing crawl space encapsulation and support jacks.
- Floor joist repair or replacement to address structural floor damage.
- Drainage improvements, such as downspout extensions, gutters, and a drain tile system.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your floors or foundation, the first step is a professional inspection. We’ll assess the full extent of the issue and create a repair plan customized to the underlying problem affecting your home.
How We Fix Uneven Floors and Sticking Doors
At Appalachian Foundation Services, we take a comprehensive approach to foundation repair — addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms.
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- Foundation Piers and Underpinning to stabilize settling foundations and level your floors.
- Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation to Protect Wood Supports and Prevent Moisture Damage.
- Floor Joist and Beam Repairs to restore structural integrity to your floor.
- Drainage Solutions, such as drain tile systems, gutters, and downspout extensions, protect your foundation from water damage.
- Full inspection of your home’s foundation, floor, walls, and doors to determine the extent of foundation problems.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Why won’t my interior doors close properly?
This is likely because your door frame is out of square due to foundation settlement or floor leveling issues.
How do I know if my uneven floors are a serious issue?
If your floors slope more than ½ inch over 10 feet, or you notice related cracks or sticking doors, it’s time for a thorough inspection.
Can sloping floors be leveled in an old house?
Absolutely. Our team specializes in foundation repair and structural solutions for older homes experiencing differential settlement.
How much does it cost to repair uneven floors?
Costs vary widely depending on the cause and extent of foundation damage or floor issues. We offer complimentary inspections and estimates to assist in determining the best course of action.
Don’t Let Small Problems Turn Into Major Repairs
If you’ve been noticing uneven floors and sticking doors, don’t ignore them. These issues may seem minor on the surface, but they often contribute to more serious damage beneath the structure of your home. In other cases, they could be early signs of deeper problems within your building’s foundation.
The first and most essential step is a professional review and inspection. It’s the best way to determine whether your home’s structure is at risk — and to prevent more costly repairs down the road.
At Appalachian Foundation Services, we specialize in identifying the crucial issues that many homeowners overlook. From foundation repair and crawl space encapsulation to innovative drainage solutions, we help protect your home before minor symptoms become major threats.
Schedule Your Free Inspection Today
Protect your home from long-term foundation issues with the help of trusted local experts. Call us at (540) 251-4391 or book your free inspection online now.
Want to learn more about our foundation repair services?? We’re here to help you restore your home’s safety and comfort — from the ground up.
