Support posts for a permanent fix for sagging, bouncy floors
Are you bothered by sagging, bouncy floors above a crawl space? This is a common problem. Sagging, bouncy floors indicate a serious structural problem that will worsen over time. These conditions can make floors unsafe, while also causing unsightly cracks in wallboard and beneath baseboard molding.
What causes sagging, bouncy floors?
Several construction defects can cause sagging, bouncy floors over a crawl space foundation. An inspection of your crawl space will probably reveal any or all of the following conditions:
- Long spans. Floor joists are sometimes undersized for the distance they span and the weight they need to support. Over time, the joists will sag or become bouncy because they’re not “beefy” enough to support the load imposed by people & furniture.
- Missing mid-span support. The joists in most crawl spaces are supported by foundation walls AND by a central beam. If the beam is missing, the “long span” problem described above will become evident.
- Sunken or damaged piers. The central beam that provides mid-span support can’t do its job if it’s not supported properly. Masonry piers sometimes sink, while wood support posts can rot or shift. When piers fail in these ways, the support beam will sag or settle, causing floor joists to do the same.
The solution to sagging, bouncy floors: IntelliJack™ adjustable posts
The best way to permanently solve sagging, bouncy floor problems is to install IntelliJack™ posts beneath the beam that supports your crawl space joists. Each IntelliJack™ post rests on a precast concrete pad that is set on a base of compacted stone. This engineered structural system won’t settle like masonry piers can; nor will it rot or shift like a wood post.
The steel IntelliJack™ crawl space piers can be cut to size, based on the height of your crawl space. A threaded post cap enables the installer to raise a sagging floor back to its proper level. All IntelliJack® parts are protected against rust with a thick galvanized coating.
Learn more about the IntelliJack® crawl space support system or check out the other crawl space products available from Ohio Basement Systems.
