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Strengthening floors

Posted by Amanda Sowerby, on
We moved into a 60s built home. The second storey floors move more than normal. Is there anyway to strengthen the floor so they don't? Plus two of these floors dip towards the internal joining wall (no supporting wall underneath). Our surveyor didn't make any issue with this so assuming it's ok. Hardwood/plywood then underlay and carpet or just underlay and carpet to do the job? Any views?

Joseph Leadbeater

Hi Amanda, I don't like the sound of the floors dipping to the internal connecting wall. Was there a supporting wall directly underneath at sometime. If so you should see a boxed steel running across the ceiling directly underneath the wall upstairs. If this is the case, then it maybe that there has been some settlement on the steel.(this shouldn't be more than 5 or 10 mm at the most.) It would be a good idea to check with your surveyor when you bought the property. If you have no joy, then call round a good builder to have a look or ask for another survey (structural surveyor) to see why the floor is dipping. Hope this helps. Joseph
Steve Ainsley

Steve Ainsley

Hi Amanda, Floors only move if something is loose, or the joists have inadequate cross sections between them to help strengthen them. These issues can be rectified, however the floor boards would need to be removed and there is a danger the ceilings downstairs could be disrupted as well. Floors that dip towards each other with no supporting wall underneath would suggest that the beam carrying the weight could have subsided slightly. If you have recently moved in, i would anticipate a survey was carried out by your lender ? You could get a structural surveyor to take a look and advise. If there is an issue or problem, it should have been pointed out to you. If it wasn't you may be able to seek re-dress.

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