Why Smart Jacks might be the right solution for your sagging floor?

 

If your home’s floor is uneven or sagging in places, you will need to get that adjusted. Now I know you’re thinking some cinder blocks and 4x4 wood beams will fix that. But isn’t that what you used last time? Maybe it’s time to consider something more permanent. And this item may be the right one for you. In this Article we will discuss Smart jacks in foundation repair. The features, costs, installation process and who it's for and not for. It's our hope that you will gain an understanding of smart jacks and whether it's good for you or maybe even your friend or neighbor. And with that, let's discuss smart jacks.

 

What are some features of smart jacks for crawl spaces?

The Smart Jack system permanently lifts and stabilizes existing beams and floor joists in your crawl space. Steel columns are secured to the beams or joists in the crawl space. Heavy-duty, threaded rods allow for adjustment and a custom fit for your home. Smart jacks are relatively quick to install compared to our pier systems which require more prep time. Smart jacks are Zinc-plated and the galvanized steel components prevent rust. Smart jacks are designed to safely and effectively level your floor in the long term. Because they’re galvanized and zinc covered the moisture will have no effect long term. Immediately lifts sagging, sloping floors back up. Floors above crawl spaces are susceptible to problems created within the crawl space itself. Moisture changes and weak foundation soils in a crawl space can cause columns to shift and settle. Sagging beams and floor joists are often the result of improper spacing of existing pier columns or weakened floor systems due to mold and wood rot. As these forces of nature occur in the crawl space, the floors above begin to also sink and sag Supports loads that exceed the standard residential home. In the case you are adding more weight by remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, maybe a new appliance with more weight is being added.

 

  

 

SmartJack Installation Procedure

 

Upon arrival our crews will locate and mark each spot where a smart jack will be installed. They will clear and level the soil in an appx square foot area where jack will be installed. Press soils to become load bearing. In some cases concrete and steel are laid out to maximize durability and prevent further sinking. Apply jacks to the workspace and tighten according to the desired floor level. Smart jacks provide every home they’re installed in with a custom fit. Screw the jacks into the support floor beam to prevent jacks from moving.

 

  

How long does it take to install SmartJacks?

Much like our push and helical pier systems, smart jacks require some prep time in order to get the most out of their capabilities. After the crews arrive, prep the work area, and successfully install each jack, you’re looking at anywhere from 1-5 days. Again this depends greatly on the number of jacks required to be installed. If you’re getting 3 jacks installed, it could be done that very day. If you require 15 jacks, you could be looking at several days. Soil conditions, grading and work area conditions can also play a role in how long the job will take.

 

  

 

What is the cost of installing SmartJacks?

With any foundation issues, how much it will cost is usually the question asked most. Your foundation will most likely require several jacks to maximize the protection from further issues. Project costs can range anywhere from 10-30k gr or 10-30% the cost of your home. Smart jacks come with a 25-year warranty & a 5 year adjustability period. Full transparency of costs will be discussed when we meet with you to discuss a repair plan.

What type of homeowner is best suited for SmarJack foundation installation?

The Smart Jack system by Supportworks can greatly benefit any home that rests on support beams and pillars below the floor. Typically this means a home with a crawlspace and basement structure. Most homes with a crawlspace or basement are held up haphazardly by wooden beams that are prone to mold and deterioration from excess moisture and infestation. In many homes we’ve worked on we’ve seen small shives pinched between the wood beam and concrete footing. Not only is this an ineffective fix, you run the risk of personal injury when you try to level the floor on your own. Mobile Homes might benefit, but would be better served with jack stands specified for mobile homes. Concrete slabs including conventional, post tensioned, and monolith would be better served with piers and polylevel.

Conclusion: SmartJacks for my crawl space

 
With any issue related to your slab, driveway, walkway, etc it’s important to have it checked by a professional foundation specialist. Although there are those out there who can DIY their way out of these kinds of problems, it’s best not to risk future problems based on the variables you might not have been aware of.

 

As a reminder, if any areas are either not addressed or are unclear to you, please contact your foundation specialist. If you have any questions before installation please give us a call at [1-602-470-1311]