Bouncy Floors in New Build Homes: What You Need to Know
One issue that often causes concern for homeowners is the sensation of bouncy or springy floors. While some degree of movement is normal, excessive bounce can be unsettling and may indicate underlying issues that need attention.
Floor movement in new builds typically manifests as a noticeable bounce or spring when walking across rooms, particularly in upstairs areas. You might also notice vibrations when someone walks past, or items on shelves may shake slightly. While modest flexibility is part of normal floor behaviour, excessive movement can indicate issues with construction quality.
Common Causes
Understanding what causes bouncy floors in new build homes requires examining several key factors that contribute to floor stability. Each element plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your floor system, and weakness in any area can lead to unwanted movement.
Timber Quality
The quality of timber used in construction stands as one of the most significant factors. Floor joists and supporting beams must meet specific grades and standards to perform effectively. However, even high-quality timber can become problematic if it hasn't been properly dried or stored before installation. Timber with excessive moisture content will naturally dry over time, potentially leading to warping, twisting, or shrinkage. These changes can create gaps in the floor structure or cause components to move out of alignment, resulting in noticeable bounce or movement.
Joist Spacing
Joist spacing represents another critical aspect of floor stability. Building regulations provide clear guidelines about maximum spans and spacing requirements, designed to ensure floors remain stable under normal use. When builders deviate from these specifications, either by spacing joists too far apart or using inadequate sizes for the span required, the floor's ability to resist deflection becomes compromised. This often manifests as a noticeable bounce when walking across rooms, particularly in areas furthest from supporting walls.
Support Issues
The overall support structure beneath your floor plays an equally vital role. Load-bearing walls and beams must be correctly positioned and adequately sized to handle the weight above them. In some cases, builders may miscalculate load requirements or fail to provide sufficient support points, leading to excessive floor movement. This issue can become particularly apparent in larger rooms or open-plan spaces where floors span greater distances without intermediate support.
Installation Methods
Installation methods and workmanship quality significantly impact floor performance. Even with proper materials and design, poor installation practices can lead to movement issues. Common problems include inadequate fixing of floorboards, improper installation of joist hangers, or insufficient noggins between joists. Each of these issues can contribute to floor movement, often creating not just bounce but also squeaks and creaks during normal use. Additionally, if floor components aren't properly secured or braced during installation, they may work loose over time, exacerbating movement issues as the house settles.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature and humidity changes throughout the year can also affect floor movement, particularly in new builds. As materials expand and contract with seasonal variations, any weaknesses in the floor structure often become more apparent. This environmental factor can compound other issues, making bouncy floors more noticeable during certain times of the year or as the building materials adjust to their new environment.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some movement is expected, certain signs indicate the need for professional assessment:
Floors that visibly deflect when walked upon
Excessive vibration of furniture or objects
Creaking or squeaking sounds during normal walking
Progressive worsening of movement over time
Gaps appearing between skirting boards and floors
While all floors exhibit some degree of movement, knowing when to seek professional assistance can help prevent minor issues from developing into more serious problems. Understanding the warning signs that indicate professional assessment is needed will help you maintain your home's quality and value.
One of the most obvious indicators is visible deflection when walking across the floor. If you notice the floor visibly moving up and down under normal foot traffic, this suggests the floor system may not be performing as intended. This movement might be particularly noticeable when walking near the centre of a room or when multiple people are moving across the space.
Excessive vibration of furniture and objects provides another clear signal that professional inspection may be warranted. If you notice items on shelves rattling when someone walks past, or if liquid in glasses ripples noticeably during normal household activity, these vibrations could indicate underlying issues with your floor system. Similarly, if decorative items frequently need realignment or pictures on walls require regular straightening, these signs suggest the floor movement exceeds acceptable levels.
Creaking and squeaking sounds during normal walking, while common in older properties, should not be a persistent feature of new build homes. These noises often indicate movement between floor components that should be firmly fixed together. When such sounds begin to develop or increase in frequency, it's worth having them professionally assessed before they potentially worsen.
Perhaps most concerning is the progressive deterioration of floor stability over time. If you notice the bounce or movement becoming more pronounced as months pass, this could indicate ongoing changes within the floor structure. Such progressive issues rarely resolve themselves and typically require expert intervention to prevent further deterioration.
The appearance of gaps between skirting boards and floors, particularly if these gaps seem to be widening, can signal significant movement in the floor structure. These gaps might appear and disappear seasonally, but consistent or growing gaps often indicate more serious issues that warrant professional examination.
The Inspection Process
An intrusive building inspection can identify the root causes of floor movement. At Brickkickers, our experienced inspectors use advanced techniques to assess floor construction and identify potential issues. We examine joist sizes, spacing, support structures, and installation quality to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Solutions and Remedies
When floor movement issues have been properly identified through professional inspection, several effective solutions can help restore stability and comfort to your new build home. The choice of remedy depends on the specific causes identified and the severity of the movement, with solutions ranging from relatively simple fixes to more comprehensive interventions.
Adding additional support through noggins represents one of the most common and effective solutions. Noggins are short pieces of timber installed between floor joists to prevent twisting and provide extra rigidity to the floor system. While your floor will already have some noggins in place, installing additional ones at strategic points can significantly reduce unwanted movement. This solution proves particularly effective in areas where the original noggins may have been spaced too far apart or where local floor movement has become noticeable.
Improving the fixings throughout your floor system often yields impressive results in reducing movement. This process involves thoroughly examining all floor components and ensuring they are properly secured. Loose floorboards can be re-fixed using appropriate screws rather than nails, which helps prevent future loosening. Additionally, strengthening the connections between various floor components, such as joist hangers and supporting beams, can dramatically improve floor stability. This might involve adding extra fixings or replacing inadequate ones with more suitable alternatives.
Enhanced bracing provides another valuable solution, particularly for floors spanning longer distances. Additional bracing can be installed to reinforce floor joists, particularly in areas where movement is most pronounced. This might involve adding diagonal bracing between joists or installing solid bridging to improve lateral stability. In some cases, steel reinforcement might be recommended to provide extra support while maintaining the floor's existing profile.
The effectiveness of these solutions often increases when they are used in combination, creating a comprehensive approach to floor stabilisation. For instance, coupling additional noggins with improved fixings can provide superior results compared to using either solution alone. A professional assessment can help determine which combination of remedies will best address your specific situation.
It's worth noting that these solutions should be implemented by qualified professionals who understand both the principles of floor construction and the specific requirements of new build properties. This ensures the remedial work complies with building regulations and doesn't inadvertently compromise other aspects of your home's construction.
Working with Your Builder
Most new build homes come with a warranty period, typically lasting two years from completion, during which builders are obligated to address construction defects, including issues with floor movement. This warranty period provides valuable protection for homeowners, ensuring that problems arising from construction can be rectified without additional cost.
However, successfully navigating the warranty process often requires clear documentation and evidence of the issues at hand. This is where professional snagging reports become invaluable. Our detailed reports at Brickkickers provide comprehensive documentation of any floor movement issues, including precise measurements, photographic evidence, and expert assessment of the causes. This thorough approach creates a robust case for remedial work under warranty.
When presenting issues to your builder, having professional documentation helps ensure that legitimate concerns are taken seriously and addressed appropriately. Our reports specifically reference relevant building standards and warranty requirements, making it easier for builders to understand both the nature of the problem and their obligations to resolve it. This professional approach often leads to quicker resolution and more satisfactory outcomes for homeowners.
It's worth noting that even after the initial warranty period expires, you may still have protection under your 10-year warranty provider for serious defects. Having professional documentation of any issues that arose during the initial warranty period can prove invaluable if related problems persist or worsen over time.
Expert Assessment
If you're in the process of buying a new build home, we recommend having a professional snagging inspection before completion. This allows us to identify potential floor issues early, when they're easier and less costly to remedy.
With nearly 20 years of experience in new build snagging, Brickkickers has encountered and helped resolve countless cases of floor movement issues. Our comprehensive inspections help ensure your new home meets the quality standards you expect.
Don't let concerns about bouncy floors spoil the enjoyment of your new home. Contact Brickkickers today for expert assessment and guidance on resolving floor movement issues in your new build property.