When a Structural Problem Needs a Structural Solution
Converting a former RV dealership into a functioning retail space sounds straightforward — until you look under the hood. In this project, a contractor discovered that several of the building's existing column pedestals had deteriorated beyond repair. Simply patching the surface wasn't an option. The roof had to come up, the old footers had to come out, and new concrete foundations had to be poured, all while keeping the structure standing.
That's where temporary shoring made all the difference.
After researching options, the contractor turned to Ellis Manufacturing's STL-151HD Heavy Duty Screw Jack. With an adjustment range of 151" to 176" and a safe load capacity of 25,000 lbs, the STL-151HD was built exactly for this kind of heavy vertical load application. The contractor was able to safely raise the roof line, disconnect the compromised columns, remove the deteriorated pedestals, and give the new concrete footings room to cure — all without incident.
"It worked perfectly," the contractor reported.
Why Screw Jacks Are the Right Tool for Temporary Structural Shoring
Temporary shoring is one of the most critical — and most underestimated — phases of any structural renovation. Whether you're replacing a beam, repairing a foundation, leveling a floor, or, as in this case, raising a roof to remove and replace column footers, having the right vertical support equipment is non-negotiable.
Screw jacks like the STL-151HD offer several advantages over hydraulic alternatives for temporary shoring work:
- Mechanical simplicity: No hydraulic lines, no fluid leaks, no pump failures mid-job.
- Incremental precision: Four full turns of the adjustment nut equals exactly one inch of height adjustment, giving contractors fine-grained control.
- Passive load holding: Once set and locked with the Safety Lock, the screw jack holds its position without continuous maintenance or power.
- Proven load capacity: The Ellis patented Thrust Bearing design allows these shores to lift up to 10x more than standard screw jacks.
For jobs that require sustained, reliable vertical support over hours or days while other work proceeds around it, a heavy-duty screw jack is often the safest and most practical choice.
About Ellis Manufacturing
Ellis Manufacturing Co. Inc. has been producing shoring, forming, and concrete construction equipment since 1951. Ellis products are trusted by contractors across the country for commercial, industrial, and residential structural applications. The STL-151HD is part of Ellis's Heavy Duty Steel Lifting Shore line, which includes models covering a wide range of height and load requirements.
