Floor Stabilization Project in Spreckels, CA

Monday, October 14th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

The Problem

A homeowner in Spreckels, CA, began noticing unsettling changes in their floors. Over time, the floors started to slope, and a noticeable bounce occurred when walking across them. Concerned about potential structural issues, the homeowner contacted Foundation Repair of CA to assess the situation and provide a permanent solution to restore the integrity of their floors.

Inspection and Diagnosis

Upon inspection, Foundation Repair of CA identified that the underlying support system beneath the home was beginning to weaken, leading to the sagging and bouncy floors. The issue stemmed from insufficient support in the crawl space, causing the floor joists to lose stability over time.

Solution

Proposed Solution

To address the homeowner’s concerns, Foundation Repair of CA recommended a combination of steel support beams, SmartJack systems, and reinforced footings to stabilize the floors and prevent further issues. The solution included:

Steel Square Beam: A 10-foot supplemental steel beam was installed in the crawl space to reinforce the existing floor framing system. This beam provided added structural support where the original support system was failing.

SmartJack 350 System: To provide additional support to the sagging floor joists, SmartJack assemblies were installed beneath the floors. These adjustable steel piers are designed to stabilize and potentially level the floors. The system significantly improved stability and eliminated the bounce they were experiencing with their floors.

Cast-In-Place Footing: A poured concrete footing with rebar reinforcement was installed beneath the SmartJacks. This footing provided a solid foundation for the new support system and ensured that the load was evenly distributed.

Joist Assist Bracket: Steel Joist Assist Brackets were attached to the floor joists to further reinforce the connection between the floor joists and the support beams. These 12-inch-long brackets provided critical reinforcement, reducing strain on the floor system.

Mobilization and Installation

Once the materials and equipment were delivered, Foundation Repair of CA’s skilled crew swiftly executed the installation, ensuring minimal disruption to the homeowner. The entire process was completed efficiently, and the team left the home clean and free of debris.

Result

Following the installation of the supplemental steel beam, SmartJacks, and reinforced footings, the homeowner’s floors were significantly more stable. The sagging and bounce had been eliminated, and the overall integrity of the flooring system was restored. While floor leveling was not guaranteed, the homeowner was pleased with the results and felt confident in the long-term stability of their home.

Ongoing Maintenance

To maintain the effectiveness of the solution, the homeowner was offered an annual service maintenance plan through Foundation Repair of CA’s Care Club Membership. This ensures regular inspections and adjustments to the SmartJacks as needed, helping to prolong the life of the support system.

Conclusion

The floor stabilization project in Spreckels, CA, provided the homeowner with peace of mind and a safer living environment. By reinforcing the floor framing system with steel beams, SmartJacks, and concrete footings, Foundation Repair of CA was able to resolve the structural issues and restore stability to the home’s flooring system.

This project showcases Foundation Repair of CA's commitment to delivering high-quality, long-lasting solutions for homeowners facing foundation and structural challenges.