Foundation Repair Photo Album: Floor Support Solutions in Newtonville, MA

In Newtonville, MA, a homeowner faced a serious issue with a crumbling brick support column, threatening the stability of their floor. As illustrated in the initial photos, the situation showed clear signs of underpinning failure. We swiftly resolved this concern by installing the SmartJack® System. As evident in the "after" photos, robust galvanized steel columns now ensure a stable, secure environment. This reliable system successfully restores the floor to its original elevation, addressing the problem professionally and effectively.

Failing Brick Support Column

The masonry support column had deteriorated to the point that it could no longer adequately carry the structural load of the floor system above. As its load-bearing capacity diminished, the floor framing experienced excessive deflection, resulting in noticeable sagging and a bouncy or uneven feel when walked upon.

Temporary Support Posts

Temporary support posts were strategically installed to carry the load of the main beam and maintain structural stability during construction. These supports allowed the beam to be safely lifted and stabilized while the deteriorated masonry column was removed and the SmartJack® support system was installed in its place.

Concrete and Soil Removal for Footings

Sections of the basement slab were carefully removed, and the underlying soil was excavated to the required depth to construct engineered footings capable of supporting the SmartJack® system. These footings provide a stable load-bearing foundation, ensuring the support posts can effectively transfer structural loads and provide long-term stabilization of the floor system above.

Footings with Rebar

Steel reinforcing bars (rebar) were installed in a coordinated grid pattern within the footings to increase their strength and structural integrity. The reinforcement helps distribute loads more evenly throughout the concrete, enhancing the footing's resistance to cracking, settlement, and other stresses while providing a stable foundation for the SmartJack® support system.

SmartJack Cured Footings

Once the concrete footings had been properly placed, finished, and allowed to achieve the required cure strength, the SmartJack® base assemblies were positioned on the footings and securely anchored using mechanical fasteners. This installation method provides a stable connection between the support system and the reinforced footing, enabling the SmartJack® posts to effectively transfer structural loads and provide long-term support to the floor system above.

Floor Stabilization

The SmartJack® support posts were installed beneath the main beam and precisely adjusted to the required height to lift and stabilize the sagging floor system. Each post was carefully calibrated to transfer structural loads effectively, helping restore the floor to a more level position while providing long-term support. Once the system was fully adjusted and secured, the SmartJack® base assemblies were encapsulated within newly poured concrete to integrate them with the basement slab and ensure lasting stability.