Sagging Floors Need SmartJacks, Methuen, MA

Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 by Travis Kellogg

Challenge

Adonis O. of Methuen, Massachusetts was experiencing sagging from his main support beam. Over time it has gotten worse and now the floor joists are separating from the main support beam. The basement dimensions are 43'x21' and the main support beam is running the long way. The support beam had moved so much that the floor joists are starting to separate from the main support beam. This is a cause for worry because a sagging support beam can weaken the interior structure of the home. Adonis decided it was time to call Erickson Foundation Solutions for a free inspection.

Solution

Design Specialist Chris Greenwood arrived at the home and inspected Adonis's basement. Chris examined the main support beam and the floor joists in the basement. Chris confirmed that the main support beam was sagging and would need something underneath to help support it.

Chris offered a solution to Adonis. Chris suggested installing 10 SmartJacks into the basement. Seven SmartJacks would be installed on the main support beam, and three SmartJacks would be installed on a supplemental beam underneath the kitchen. Adonis agreed to Chris' proposal.

The installation crew for this job was Ed Nadreau's crew. The job took three days to complete. The crew installed ten 7' SmartJacks into the basement. For each SmartJack installed, the crew had to chip out some of the concrete floors. An area of 2'x2' is chipped out to insert the footing underneath the floor. After the area is chipped out, the team can insert the SmartJacks footing to secure the SmartJack to the beam above. There are two ways to secure a SmartJack. Both ways will be used during this job. One way to secure a SmartJack is to use GRK screws and secure it right to the support beam. The other way is to use a rail system that connects the SmartJacks to the supplemental beam. After all the SmartJacks are secured, the team will mix concrete and pour new concrete over the SmartJacks footings. This will help to secure them and hide the footing so they don't create a tripping hazard.

The SmartJacks was able to lift the support beam to stop it from sagging while adding more support. Adonis was very happy that he doesn't have a sag in his main support beam anymore.