Lift floor / jack?

[Snigla]

Hello,

A thought and question, we are considering trying to use a jack to lift some "sunken" parts of our floor from the basement so that we can add extra supports in between (there seems to be quite a distance between joists, and now it has sunk a few cm here and there).

Has anyone taken on a similar project? Tips and tricks? Can you rent a jack for this purpose and if so, what might it cost?

We don't want to lift the whole house, just a few cm between two floor joists, and then take it step by step.

Can you do it this way, or is it better to tackle the problem from above? That is, tear out the floor and underfloor/chipboard, add joists, and try to level it a bit, and then lay new chipboard plus flooring..?

What would you do..

Best regards, Sandra

 

[vagabondo]

I have done something similar. Bought two (4-ton) jacks at Biltema (not car jacks but the cylindrical type with a fixed foot) and used sturdy beams as braces between the jack and the joists. Works perfectly, you make the necessary adjustments, release the jack, and move on to the next spot. Sometimes I placed a piece of wood at the top to create a T to distribute the pressure.

 

[Dr.SiC]

Exactly, Biltema's jacks cost almost nothing. You can get one that lifts 20 tons for 350 kronor. 4 tons costs 149:- and I used one like that to lift the deck and add an extra beam to eliminate the sway and sagging.

 

[Snigla]

How do you know how much weight will actually be on the jack then? So you know which one to buy? As mentioned, it's just the area between two beams that needs to be lifted a few centimeters (I assume it's only one half of the house because I presume there must be a central beam somewhere... if nothing else, then there's a concrete basement wall in the middle).

We were thinking of placing something (e.g., a long level... at least something that is perfectly straight) from one beam to the other (i.e., on the high peaks) and pressing slightly upwards in the middle with the jack until they are at the "same height" on that level in the upstairs (or whatever we will use). Is that the right strategy?

Can you "push up" the floor with the beam you plan to attach? (Might be a good question, as it would at least ease the work)

Anything else to consider?

Thanks for the answers!!
Best regards, Sandra

 

[sixten88]

Yes, you can press on the beam you need to adjust. Just keep in mind that you need to lift it a little higher than the level you want it at because it drops a bit after adjustment.

 

[Snigla]

sixten88:

Thanks for the answer, if it is as we think... there is a beam missing there (it seems to be very far between the beams in our floor... we have "peaks" about 120 cm apart...)... so the idea was to buy a new beam and attach it (possibly some "support blocks/crosses" too)... and then the question is... can you push up the "new" loose beam with the jack to then attach it..?

Thanks in advance,
Regards, Sandra

 

[sixten88]

Yes, it should work unless the beam tilts too much. But you can screw it to the floor before you lift it.

 

[Snigla]

sixten88:

So there are no problems working that way..? assuming you can keep the beam in place, so to speak..

Should you do the same thing you recommended above.. even now when it comes to a completely new floor beam... i.e., push it up a little higher before nailing? (or is it different when it's a completely new one..?)

Best regards, Sandra

 

[sixten88]

yes I think you should do that, but only 1-2mm

 

[ArneTW]

Hydraulic jacks should not be left unattended, i.e., they will collapse if you leave them overnight...

Pump up and there with your relief.

/ATW

 

[Snigla]

ArneTW:

Had no plans to leave it unattended (then I would be paranoid...!!). We thought to take it beam by beam and fasten them as we go.. it's not like the house needs support from the jack.. it's just that we want to even out the floor (as it is now it's sunken between each beam.. that's why we want to put up extra).

Best regards, Sandra

 

[sixten88]

How did the result turn out? Did they work as you had planned?

 

[Snigla]

sixten88:

Don't know yet hehe, haven't had the chance to practice my "skills" yet. We also need to buy some "rules", you see.. meaning we need to wait until an acquaintance with a trailer comes to visit (we don't have a trailer on our car and we just moved 1000 kilometers so we don't know anyone here yet) so we can rent a cart and go pick up some things..

Thank goodness we're not in a rush, it can get a few degrees warmer outside before we start messing around too much!

Have a nice day,
Best regards, Sandra

 

[Frida-David]

How did it go? Pondering the same question.

 

[Snigla]

How did it go? I'm considering the same question.

Hi!
We have a new floor structure in that house anyway... but moved 10 years ago However, it wasn't done with "jacks"... everything was torn out and redone in the affected areas...

Now we have a new house... and are considering supporting a floor with props in the basement (could make fixed posts too, but they need to be movable in case the boiler/water heater breaks down... and has to be replaced)... none of the carpenters we've talked to are keen on tearing it up as it is... since there are lots of electrical wires, water pipes... fiber optic cables... heating pipes... incoming geothermal pipes, etc. in the room (small room...)

So I'm still checking out the area a bit... 😊 (10 years later... in a "new" house...)