Sagging Crawl Space Problems

Preparing For Installation

Before the installation, a system design specialist will meet with you to design a crawl space support system that will effectively return your home to structural stability. Our specialist will also be able to explain our system and answer any questions you may have about your crawl space repair.

The location for each crawl space support jack will be mapped out for your installers when they arrive, ensuring a proper installation.

At the beginning of the installation, our team of in-house crawl space repair contractors will excavate a 2' square, 2' deep hole at each SmartJack® location. Each of these holes will be prepared with engineered fill consisting of tightly compacted crushed stone.

Placing the Pre-Cast Footing

A pre-cast concrete base (or footing) is placed on top of the engineered fill and carefully leveled.

The footing serves as a stable base for the steel jack post, keeping it vertical and distributing the weight bearing on the post across a broad area of soil. The engineered fill base underneath the footing provides solid support that won't shift, settle or be affected by soil moisture. Some building codes may require a poured concrete base rather than engineered fill.

By the time the weight is distributed through the pre-cast base and the fill, the bearing stresses have dissipated to approximately 10% of the stresses at the top of the post. This means that even if you have weak supporting soils, you can be assured that the weight of the building will not exceed their bearing capacity.

Cutting the Jack Posts to Length

Once new bases have been installed, measurements are made for the steel crawl space jack posts, and the posts are cut to length.

The steel tube used in each SmartJack® is manufactured with a triple-layer, in-line galvanized coating. The triple-layer coating process includes :

1. A uniform hot-dip zinc galvanizing layer
2. An intermediate conversion coating enhances corrosion resistance
3. A clear, organic top coating to further enhance appearance and durability.

Additionally, the inside of the pier tube also has a zinc-rich coating.

The remaining steel components of the Smart Jack™ come standard as zinc-plated in accordance with ASTM B633, "Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and Steel".

Once the SmartJack® has been installed in your home, you can rest assured that you've invested in a high-quality, permanent solution for your crawl space issue.

Assembling & Tightening

Each crawl space jack post is assembled in your crawl space. The top of the crawl space jack is mounted against the girder, and the installation is carefully plumbed.

In cases where existing girders are undersized or damaged by rot, a new sister girder may be installed alongside the original in order to strengthen and reinforce the structure.

Each SmartJack® is then tightened in an attempt to lift the floor back to its original position. In many cases, your contractors will be able to straighten and level floors, close cracks in walls, and halt future downward movement. The jacks will continue to be adjustable for future tightening, should you need it.

Encapsulating The Crawl Space

If your wood crawl space joists, girders, and/or supports were damaged by mold, rot, and moisture, then you will want to address these issues to prevent future damage.

The encapsulation process involves sealing all crawl space vents, installing an airtight crawl space door, and lining crawl space walls and floors with a durable plastic liner. This treatment can also include additional drainage measures like installing interior drains and a sump pump.

Encapsulation stops moisture-related damage and associated structural problems that occur when framing members rot and deteriorate. By investing in crawl space encapsulation, you'll also improve overall home energy efficiency and indoor air quality.