Pier and beam foundation
As a pier and beam foundation settles, less air circulates under the building. This process allows moisture to gain access and may cause the wood under the building to rot. In addition, sometimes the wood used in the foundation has not been treated properly (or not treated at all), and insects such as termites gain access. Raising the building will solve two problems: The raised foundation allows better air circulation, and better access allows more room to make the needed repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparing the House or Foundation for Lifting
1. Contact a termite inspector or pesticide company to inspect the foundation for termites, carpenter ants or other insects. Have the home treated if necessary. This precaution will prevent further damage and ensure the repairs made will remain stable.
2. If enough crawl space exists, inspect the foundation to observe exactly what repairs are necessary. If the foundation is too low to the ground, dig out two or three crawl spaces. Ideally, crawl spaces should be from 18 to 24 inches high.
3. Gather the tools and lumber that will be necessary to raise the building. Recruit a helper or two to lift heavy beams and to help with installation of columns.
Raising the Structure
4. Install a 4-by-6-inch wooden beam under the floor joists by attaching the beam to each floor joist, using rafter ties and screws. Rafter ties are most often used in roof construction to tie rafters together to keep them from spreading apart. The ties will keep the heavy beam attached to the floor joists. Attach a beam underneath each side of the building and one or two in the middle, equal distance apart, depending on the length of the building.
5. Install lally columns, which are adjustable steel temporary supports, at each end of the beam. Most lally columns come with a steel plate, which should be placed between the column and the beam to prevent the column from going up through the beam. Tighten the column until it supports the one end of the beam. If the width of the house is such that more than two columns are needed to support the beam, place one or two more columns equally distanced apart.
6. Position the jack underneath a lally column on the open end of the beam. Place a steel plate (a 1-inch-thick piece works well) between the column and the top of the jack. This addition will help deposit the load of the column across the entire beam.
7. Jack the building up 1/8 inch at a time, using the adjustable columns to support the structure. Tighten the columns each time you raise the building. Use a level to ensure all sides are even.
8. Install or repair the support for the foundation when you have the building level and at the height you want. This process may involve replacing treated wood piers, concrete piers or concrete blocks. Any rotted wood under the building should be replaced. Holes in concrete should be cleaned out and filled in with new mortar. Any wood that is compromised by termite damage or moisture should be replaced as well.
9. Remove the temporary columns and the beam. Where extra support is needed, the beam can be left and permanent steel columns can be used to replace the temporary ones.
Tags: under building, beam foundation, between column, building level, crawl spaces, floor joists
