Search
Close this search box.

Does Your House Need Screw Jacks For a Sagging Crawl Space?

Table of Contents

Does it feel like your house is sinking? If the answer is “yes,” then it’s likely your crawl space needs some attention as soon as possible. One great solution for sagging or uneven floors is the installation of screw jacks beneath floor joists in weak spots. It takes a professional to analyze the situation and determine whether or not this type of repair will do the job, but it’s certainly worth considering if your home isn’t level anymore after you’ve examined other areas first! Read on to learn more about how screw jacks could potentially help support your home and get rid of the dreaded sag.

What Are Screw Jacks and How Are They Used to Fix Sagging Crawl Spaces?

Screw jacks are powerful tools used for supporting and stabilizing sagging crawl spaces. These devices consist of a heavy steel body, a mechanism for adjusting height, and a long screw-like shaft that serves as the lifting mechanism.

Screw jacks are typically used in conjunction with a pier block, which provides a solid base for the jack. Once in place, the screw jack can be adjusted to raise the floor of the crawl space, correcting any sagging or unevenness.

Screw jacks are powerful tools used for supporting and stabilizing sagging crawl spaces.

Screw jacks are an effective solution for repairing crawl spaces that have been destabilized by a number of different factors, including water damage, soil erosion, and poor installation practices.

One of the key benefits of using screw jacks to fix sagging crawl spaces is their versatility. They can be customized to accommodate various floor heights and load-bearing capacities, making them an ideal solution for residential and commercial buildings.

In addition, screw jacks are typically installed in tight, confined spaces, which can be challenging to access using conventional repair methods. Their compact size and ability to be adjusted from above ground make them convenient for use in crawl spaces.

What Causes a Crawl Space to Sag?

There are various reasons why a crawl space may start to sag, including the following:

Expansive Soil

Expansive soil is a type of soil that expands and contracts depending on the soil’s moisture level. When the soil under a crawl space becomes too wet, it swells up. This can cause the support posts in the crawl space to become non-vertical.

Wood Rot

Wood rot occurs when the wood used in the construction of the support beams, floor joists, and other elements starts to break down due to excess moisture or infestation from termites or other pests.

Not Enough Support Posts

Not having enough support posts can also lead to a sagging crawl space. When the crawl space is not adequately supported, the weight of the building can cause the wooden structures to bend and sag.

Poor Drainage

If the drainage system around your building is not functioning correctly, water can collect around the foundation, saturating the soil beneath the crawl space. As a result, the soil shifts, leading to non-vertical support posts and a sinking crawl space.

Failure of Existing Screw Jacks

Screw jacks provide support to the floor joists and beams in the crawl space. Over time, these devices can deteriorate if they’re not protected from corrosion, causing the crawl space to sag.

Common Signs That Your Crawl Space Might Need Screw Jacks

In addition to uneven or sagging floors, if you notice any of the following signs in your home, they may be an indication that your crawl space requires screw jacks to prevent or alleviate any further issues.

  • Musty smell – This unpleasant odor often indicates excess moisture or mold growth, which can easily take root in a damp crawl space and lead to the wooden structures deteriorating.
  • Wall cracks – As the structural integrity of your crawl space becomes compromised, your home’s walls may begin to crack and shift, leading to further damage and weakening the overall structure of your home.
  • Difficulty opening or closing doors and windows – As the support beneath your home shifts and moves, you may find that doors and windows no longer fit correctly, or become difficult to open and close. This can be a strong indication that your crawl space foundation is compromised and needs to be repaired or reinforced with screw jacks.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is essential to have your crawl space inspected by a professional and consider installing screw jacks to ensure your home’s structural integrity and safety for years to come.

What About DIY Screw Jack Installation?

While installing screw jacks may seem like a simple task, it is essential to remember this is a job that should be left to the professionals. Installing screw jacks requires specific knowledge and expertise–as well as specialized equipment–to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly. Attempting to install screw jacks on your own without the necessary skills or tools can result in serious injury or damage to your property.

How to Help Prevent Foundation Problems

Fortunately, homeowners can take several preventative measures to avoid such foundation issues. Note that most of these involve controlling groundwater around the foundation. This is because most foundation problems are caused by excess moisture in the soil around the home.

Prevent Foundation Issues

  • Regrade your yard – This involves adding or redistributing soil around the foundation to ensure that water flows away from the house. This simple step can work to significantly reduce the risk of foundation damage caused by water pooling against the house.
  • Install downspout extensions – These extensions attach to the end of the downspout and carry water away from the foundation before release.
  • Clean gutters regularly – Regular cleaning of gutters is also essential, as clogged gutters can lead to water overflow and saturated soil around the foundation.
  • Install a drain tile system – This involves placing buried, perforated drainage pipes around the foundation at the footing level to collect and funnel water away from the house. This method is particularly useful for homes in areas with high water tables or frequent heavy rainfall.
  • Keep trees away from the foundation – Trees can cause significant damage to foundations over time, as their roots can grow into and around foundation walls, causing cracks and structural damage.

If you believe that your home’s sagging crawl space might need screw jacks, contact us today to schedule a free foundation evaluation. If we find a problem, we’ll provide you with a repair estimate. We serve Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada.

WRITTEN BY

Brian Dalinghaus

Brian is one of the Co-Founders of Dalinghaus Construction. He has been in the foundation repair industry since 2005. During his career, he has been associated with helping over 4,000 homes and structures throughout California and Arizona.

Related Posts

hillside repair
Learn some of the best techniques for hillside repair and slope stabilization to keep your hillsides in place and prevent erosion.
how to fill void under concrete slab
Learn how to fill a void under concrete slabs to ensure stability and longevity. Explore expert steps and methods in this concise guide.
retaining wall tie backs
Explore retaining wall tiebacks with our guide. Ideal for homeowners seeking insight into their property's structural support.
Retaining wall anchors
Discover the importance of anchors for retaining walls' stability and safety. A must-read for homeowners looking to protect their property.
Foundation Problems
Is it safe to live in a house with foundation problems? Find out if you should stay or leave immediately in this article.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *