Repairing Your Sagging Floors
Have you noticed the floors sagging in your home? Are you worried about the bend in the beam you see in your basement? Fortunately, there are cost effective ways to fix these issues. Just make sure you do fix them, as ignoring them could lead to more extensive damage, potentially costing you more further down the road. Let's take a look at how to quickly repair your sagging floors, and why the SmartJack is the best choice.
Interested in knowing what causes sagging floors or beams? More on that here. Continue below to discover best solution for solving the problem.
Whether you have a crawl space or a full basement, there are post/jack systems today which can be added to support sagging beams or joists. Such systems can possibly even lift or correct the sag, depending on the weight above the beam and the amount of support beneath. Keep in mind, the jack will only be as strong as the footing or base of it allows it to be. For example, if the jack is placed on soil which isn't compacted, it's likely the new jack will sink and be unable to sufficiently support the sagging beam above.
Standard home improvement stores will sell jack post systems for the DIY homeowner. For a quick and easy fix, this may sound like the ideal solution. However, this quick and easy fix is temporary, and most products are rated for compression loads up to just 18,000 lbs. The top and bottom plates on these jack posts are easily bent under the weight of heavy beams or joists. Also, as mentioned previously, if the base of the jack post itself is not stable and solid, the post in turn will not be stable or structurally sound. Such jack posts will have a one year warranty in most cases...a temporary fix.
For a more long term solution, Erickson Foundaiton Supportworks offers the SmartJack system.
SmartJacks are a tried and tested jack posts system highly recommended to homeowners looking for long term solutions to their homes' sagging floors or joists. SmartJacks are ideal for both crawl spaces and full size basements, as the posts come in 10 ft lengths and are custom fit on the spot for each situation. When installed correctly, these jack posts are also rated for supporting weight loads up to 60,000 lbs, capable of bearing loads far beyond that of what is available in home improvement stores.
Underneath the jack post itself, engineered fill is used to create a solid, level base for the system. Pre-cast concrete footings are placed above the fill, providing the post with a stable base which will not buckle or allow the post to slide off the side. Once tbe fill and footing are in place, we can be sure the post will remain stable and be able to support the weight above.
Lastly, another great feature of the SmartJack system, to account for any future sinking or settlement which may occur, the jacks will continue to be adjustable for future tightening. We also provide a 5 year warranty on the SmartJack system, far outlasting other similar products for repairing sagging floors or beams.
Interested in learning how much this system costs? Want to know if it is possible for your sagging beam situation? Give us a call and schedule a free inspection and quote from one of our experienced system designs specialists.
