Failing Wooden Crawl Space Support Columns
The existing wooden support columns and temporary lally columns lacked the structural capacity to adequately carry the load of the floors above the crawl space, as evidenced by splitting and material failure under compressive stress. To address this deficiency, a permanent, engineered solution was necessary to reestablish structural integrity and lift the floors back toward their original elevation.
Soil and Concrete Removal for Footings
The foundation slab and underlying soil were excavated to accommodate engineered concrete footings, providing a stable load-bearing surface for the SmartJack® base plates and ensuring optimal structural support.
Footings Reinforced with Rebar
High-strength concrete was placed into the excavated sections to form structural footings, with steel rebar integrated into the pour to provide additional reinforcement and improve load-bearing capacity.
Leveled Footings
The concrete footings were precision-leveled to create a uniform, stable bearing surface, ensuring accurate alignment and optimal load transfer for the SmartJack® installation.
SmartJack Base
The SmartJack® base plate is positioned on the precision-leveled concrete footing to ensure optimal load distribution, and the adjustable steel post is securely fastened to the base, creating a stable foundation for structural support.
SmartJack Installed to Beam
SmartJacks® were securely mounted to the primary support beam using precision-engineered, adjustable steel brackets, ensuring accurate load transfer and optimal structural reinforcement within the crawl space.
Supplemental Beam
In locations where no primary beam was present, a supplemental steel beam was installed to span between the SmartJacks® and the floor joists. This configuration provides a continuous load path, enabling the system to stabilize the joists and lift the floor structure back toward its intended elevation.
Completed SmartJack Installation
Following the installation of SmartJacks®, the floor system has been effectively stabilized and elevated toward its original design position. Areas that previously exhibited deflection and unevenness now maintain a rigid, level profile, ensuring long-term structural integrity and performance.
Crawlspace Encapsulation
The CleanSpace® encapsulation system was applied to the foundation walls and floor, forming a continuous vapor barrier that isolates the home from ground moisture. This advanced solution mitigates humidity intrusion, preventing mold growth, wood rot, and corrosion of utilities. Additionally, it eliminates musty odors, improves indoor air quality, and reduces heat loss through the floor, enhancing overall comfort and energy efficiency.
