The Foundation-Floor Relationship
Foundation problems lead to unsafe living conditions and only get worse if not addressed. If you notice saggy or squeaky floors, cracks in the walls or flooring, or windows and doors that aren’t closing like they should, you should check the foundation.
Brian Park, Director of Sales and Business Development at Ellis Manufacturing, emphasizes the importance of early detection: "Sagging floors are often due to deteriorated or improperly supported beams underneath a joist in crawl spaces. Timely intervention can save significant structural damage and costs."
As soil settles, or water impacts the area under and surrounding your house, it’s natural to have shifts regardless of what type of foundation you have. Slabs, crawl spaces, and basements are all affected by water, soil, grading issues, and time. Overloaded support beams are another cause of foundation problems.
Floor leveling using house jacks is a great way to begin foundation repair while keeping your family safe. By adding temporary or permanent shoring with adequate footing, you lessen the chance of long-term damage.
Common Foundation Problems and Their Impact on Floors
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Even within a city block, soil content varies. Soil stability also changes over time, forcing homeowners to research how to level a house.
All of these problems cause the foundation to settle deeper into the ground, thus affecting every floor level.
Cracks in the foundation are an immediate sign that settling has occurred. This means you most likely have uneven floors, even if you don’t see any cracks vertically or horizontally in your home. If you have a crawl space or basement, you should get under the house to check for cracks. In fact, a visual inspection is a great place to start.
Diagnosing Foundation Problems
Visual Inspection
Before you begin searching for house jacks for sale, walk through and around your property. Your visual inspection should include a detailed survey of the outside as well. Look for any cracks or separation between the wood and the trim. Look around windows for gaps on the outside and inside, and check how easily they shut. Is the door plumb with the trim around it?
Uneven floors or gaps in your flooring where it connects to walls or with itself are a sign that your foundation probably needs repair. Cracks in the drywall are another indication of possible issues.
"If you're experiencing these issues, it's crucial to consult with a structural engineer," advises Brian. "They typically charge less than $1,000 for a detailed plan, a small investment that often pays for itself by preventing overbuilding and providing peace of mind that your issues will be resolved with our products."
Soil Testing
Soil testing is another way to gauge foundation problems. Your builder should have done this in order to design a foundation that will withstand the weight of your home. If properly made to be load-bearing, your foundation may avoid collapsing or settling for many, many years. Check the composition and density of the soil to ensure stability and prevent structural complications in the future.
Foundation Repair Methods
Underpinning
This method is used to reinforce your home’s foundation. It involves digging below footings that are already in place and pouring new concrete to essentially “underpin” the existing foundation. You are either substituting or adding additional stronger material to support the weaker material.
Piering
This technique uses posts to bolster the foundation. The weight of the home is transferred by driving the steel piers deep into the ground with the idea that more stable soil or bedrock will help dispel the load capacity. Understanding the type of soil and its stability is a critical factor when using piering.
Mudjacking (Slabjacking)
This process uses concrete to level and lift sunken foundations and stabilize voids. Foam has also been used, but there are many reasons not to use this method. In mudjacking, a slurry mix is injected under concrete slabs or directly into foundation walls to lift, level, and reinforce them.
Quick note, benching or bench footing is commonly used to lower a basement floor, not fix sagging floors or cracked walls. Without digging below the existing footing, benching is not considered for foundation repair.
The Crucial Role of Screw Jacks in Floor Leveling
When leveling floors and repairing foundations, Ellis Manufacturing's screw jacks offer unparalleled reliability and precision.
Brian clarifies, "Our screw jacks have a wide range of adjustments—some models offer 20 to 25 inches of vertical travel. They're ideal because you can continue making adjustments as needed. Many competitors provide fixed-size solutions, limiting future adjustments."
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"Adjustability is critical," Troy emphasizes. "Our patented thrust bearing technology reduces friction dramatically, making adjustments easy and significantly increasing lifting capability."
Selecting the Right Screw Jack for Your Project
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"For a small space, like a crawl space, the Mini Jack is unbeatable," explains Troy. "But for multi-story or commercial applications, heavy-duty shores are essential."
Proper Installation and Support
Correct footing is vital. We recommend using concrete footings for heavy or permanent setups. Brian advises, "Concrete footings provide unmatched stability and are often required by code. However, we also offer base plate extensions and timber mudsills, which can be quicker and more affordable for lighter loads or temporary solutions."
Troy adds, "We always advise customers to place the jacks, tighten them, and let the structure settle for about a week. Then, gradually make adjustments."
Expert Advice and Ongoing Support
Ellis Manufacturing has supported homeowners, commercial contractors, and even emergency responders for nearly 75 years. Both Brian and Troy stress the company's commitment to customer service:
"We help customers every step of the way—from selecting the right jack and foundation setup to troubleshooting after installation. We're here to provide robust, reliable support for every structural repair project."
For detailed advice tailored to your specific needs, contact Ellis Manufacturing at (800) 654-8311. Whether addressing minor adjustments or significant structural repairs, trusted expertise and reliable products ensure your foundation remains solid for decades to come.
Disclaimer: The information provided in these articles is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional engineering advice. Every project has unique requirements and complexities. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a qualified professional engineer to guide you through the specific nuances of your individual project and ensure its safety and compliance. These articles do not offer engineering guidance.