Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: House leveling

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 15 Jun 2001
Time: 08:45 PM

Comments

The key to house leveling is understanding the native soil conditions which led to the problem in the first place. Depending on where you live, there may be clay soil that shrinks when it dries, causing the interior piers to settle over time.

To prevent future settling, you'll need to excavate deep enough to find a competent bearing strata that is less expansive. This can often be a few feet or more. Technically, only a soils test can reveal this. However, you may be able to find city records that discuss the general soil conditions in your neighborhood.

If you are not doing this as a professional, always be careful when performing structural work underneath a home, particularly if you are impacting load-bearing partitions.

In principle, however, you would typically excavate an area at least 24" deep (or more) and 24" x 24" square. Fill this with concrete to form a strong base, using 2x6 or 2x8 box forms around the hole to bring the concrete to at least 6+ inches above surrounding soil. Next, embed a metal post anchor that can attach to a 4x4 or 6x6 pressure-treated post, which in turn will support the girder underneath the joists.

If your crawlspace height is limited, this is painstaking work...which may require slithering on your back. Before you attempt this job on your own, you might consult a foundation jacking contractor first. At least you'll get some ideas based on your specific conditions.

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