Bouncing Floor? A Step By Step Cure

How to Cure a Bouncing Floor

These homeowners noticed a persistent bouncing floor issue after some repairs were completed, similar to a trampoline effect. The video explains the background of the problem, the inspection process, and the steps taken to resolve the issue successfully.

Background of the Problem

The house suffered extensive damage due to an accidental fire, which was caused by a magnifying glass left on a table. Sunlight passing through it ignited the curtains, leading to a blaze that affected the entire structure. The elderly couple, who owned the house, had been dealing with this disruption for over two years while repairs were underway. After returning to their refurbished home, they discovered an unusual bounce in the floor, which was not present before the fire.

Investigation and Diagnosis

The issue was reported to the flooring company, but they and the insurance company claimed that the bounce was a pre-existing problem. However, the surveyor’s findings and the fact that the floor did not have this issue prior to the fire contradicted this. Suspecting that the problem was related to the flooring installation, Roger took it upon himself to investigate further.

Upon inspection, it was suggested that the likely cause was insufficient expansion gaps. When floors expand due to temperature changes or moisture, lack of proper spacing can cause them to warp, leading to a bouncy effect.

The Solution: Step-by-Step Approach

Accessing the Problem Area: Roger had to crawl under the floor to inspect and address the issue. He reached the problematic zones despite tight spaces, highlighting the challenges faced during such repairs.

Reinforcing the Floor: The proposed solution involved placing packers to stabilize the joists. This process required careful measurement to ensure the gaps were filled correctly. A dry mix of sand and cement was also applied to pack the gap between the wall plate and the wall, providing extra stability.

Final Adjustments: To address the tight areas where access was limited, Roger had to make precise adjustments to ensure that the floor would not need to be removed entirely. This careful approach minimized the homeowners’ disruption while effectively solving the problem.

Outcome and Key Takeaways

After the repairs, everything felt solid, and the bouncing floor issue was resolved. A small concern regarding a section in the back was deemed less significant and manageable. The video illustrates the importance of leaving proper expansion gaps during flooring installations to prevent such issues.

Additionally, Roger emphasised the value of patience and creativity when dealing with structural repairs. By carefully assessing the problem and choosing the right tools and methods, he delivered a solution that avoided significant disruptions for the homeowners.

Final Thoughts

Reinforcing the joists and ensuring the flooring could expand and contract without causing issues effectively cured the bouncing floor. The video is a helpful guide for understanding the importance of correct flooring installation techniques, and offers insights into how structural problems can be diagnosed and fixed efficiently.

By following these guidelines, homeowners and contractors can better address similar issues and prevent long-term problems such as bouncing floors.

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