Smartjack System & Push Pier System in Temple

Challenge

Michael B are homeowners residing in a multi-story house located in a suburban neighborhood. The property, built in the 1960s, features a partially finished basement and multiple floors above ground. Recently, they noticed significant issues with the first-floor structure, including sagging and sloping floors. Concerned about the safety and stability of their home, they sought professional assistance to assess and address the structural problems.

It was determined that the primary cause of the sagging and sloping floors on the first floor was inadequate support in the basement. The house's original construction lacked sufficient structural beams and supports to bear the load of the upper floors properly. Additionally, the partially finished basement presented a challenge due to numerous obstacles such as walls, HVAC ducts, and electrical wiring that needed careful navigation during the installation process.

Challenges Identified:

1. Sagging and Sloping Floors: The floors on the first level had settled over time due to insufficient support, causing noticeable dips and unevenness.

2. Obstacles in Basement: The basement, though partially finished, had a cluttered layout with various obstacles that required strategic planning to install new support beams without compromising existing utilities or the finished portions of the basement.

3. Structural Integrity: Ensuring the new support beam system not only corrected the immediate issue but also enhanced the overall structural integrity of the home to prevent future problems.

Solution

Proposed Solution: To rectify the structural issues, a comprehensive plan was developed which included:

• Support Beam Installation: Installation of strategically placed steel support beams in the basement to bear the weight of the first-floor joists and redistribute the load properly.

• Shimming and Leveling: Using shims and specialized equipment to gradually lift and level the sagging floors on the first level.

• Obstacle Management: Careful navigation and temporary relocation of obstacles in the basement to facilitate the installation process while minimizing disruption to the homeowners' daily life.

Implementation Process:

1. Preparation: Clearing and marking areas in the basement for beam installation while protecting finished surfaces.

2. Beam Installation: Using hydraulic jacks and support posts to lift and stabilize the first-floor structure before installing steel support beams.

3. Adjustments: Fine-tuning the beam placements and shimming to ensure the first-floor surfaces were level and properly supported.

4. Obstacle Navigation: Working around obstacles such as walls and utilities, ensuring all safety and building code regulations were strictly adhered to.

Outcome: After several days of meticulous work, the installation of the support beam system was successfully completed. The first-floor floors were significantly leveled, and the structural integrity of the home was restored. Michael expressed satisfaction with the results, noting the noticeable improvement in both the aesthetic appearance and stability of his home.

Conclusion: This case study illustrates the importance of proactive structural maintenance in older homes and the challenges involved in retrofitting support systems in partially finished basements. By addressing the underlying structural issues promptly and professionally, homeowners can ensure the long-term safety and value of their property.