Foundation Problems Photo Album: Sagging Floor Restoration in Somerville, MA

In Somerville, MA, we encountered a homeowner dealing with a sagging floor due to temporary lally columns, wooden supports, and insufficiently supported floor joists. As you can see in the photos, this led to a cracked main beam under too much pressure. We fixed this issue by reinforcing a 2x8 to the main beam and installing the SmartJack® System. Notice in the photo how stabilized foundations and lifted floors showcase our expertise in providing permanent solutions.

Failing Lally Column

The existing wooden supports and temporary lally columns, originally intended as permanent structural elements, were inadequate for properly transferring loads and supporting the floors above the basement. This compromised stability and increased the risk of structural settlement over time.

Sagging Floor Joists

The inadequate support system resulted in joist deflection and beam cracking, which in turn caused noticeable floor bounce on the levels above. This structural failure is evident in the photo, where the floor above has separated from the joist, indicating a loss of proper load transfer.

Reinforcing Beam

To reinforce the compromised beam, a 2x8 sister board was installed alongside the cracked section, restoring structural integrity and distributing loads more effectively. This reinforcement provides a stable bearing surface, allowing the SmartJack® system to transfer weight efficiently and correct floor deflection.

Footing with Rebar

Sections of the foundation floor and underlying soil were excavated to create stable footings for the SmartJack® support system. These excavated areas were then reinforced with rebar and filled with high-strength concrete, providing a solid, load-bearing base to ensure long-term structural stability.

Footings Leveled

Additional concrete was poured and precisely leveled to create a stable, load-bearing surface for the installation of SmartJack® support posts. This ensures optimal structural integrity and long-term performance of the system.

SmartJacks Installed to Beams

The SmartJack® system, constructed from galvanized steel for superior strength and corrosion resistance, is engineered for precise height adjustment to deliver optimal floor support. During installation, the SmartJacks were raised to restore the floors to their intended level, eliminating previous deflection and reducing bounce. With this solution in place, the floors are now permanently stabilized, ensuring long-term structural integrity.

SmartJacks Cemented into Foundation

The SmartJack® posts are permanently anchored into the foundation floor with concrete, creating a robust, load-bearing connection that enhances stability and ensures long-term structural performance.