Foundation Repair Photo Album: Basement Structural Support in Kitchener, ON: Sagging Beam Repair
Is your floor feeling a bit "bouncy" or do you notice cracks in your drywall upstairs? A sagging main beam is a common structural issue for homeowners in Kitchener, but it’s one that requires immediate professional intervention to prevent long-term damage.
At Omni Basement Systems, we recently helped a Kitchener homeowner restore the structural integrity of their property. The central support beam in their basement had begun to sag, causing noticeable instability in the floors above.
The Solution: SmartJack® Floor Stabilization
To provide a permanent solution, our team installed the SmartJack® Stabilizer System. Unlike traditional concrete or wood posts, SmartJacks are engineered for high-capacity load-bearing and are designed specifically to stop floor sagging and level existing beams.
Key benefits of the SmartJack® installation included:
Immediate Stabilization: The adjustable steel columns were custom-fitted to the basement height, providing instant support to the main beam.
High-Capacity Steel: Made from galvanized steel, these supports are resistant to rust and can support loads exceeding 60,000 lbs.
Adjustability: The unique screw-jack design allows for precise adjustments, meaning we can often lift the floor back toward its original level position over time.
Minimal Footprint: The system is installed with a compact base, leaving plenty of room for future basement finishing.
Support columns sinking
The concrete blocks laid on the edge can sink into the soil after time and need additional support.
Footing bed
A 2x2x2 hole is dug into the floor.
Top plate
A large top plate is attached to catch all 5 laminated joists.
Engineered foot
An engineered footing is placed in the bed and the jack is attached. The screw is installed just to hold the beam until the concrete is poured.
Jack in stalled
the Jack is installed fully and gravel is added over the footing.
Floor restored
Concrete is laid over top of the footing
Fully supported beam
With 2 Smartjacks added, the beam is now fully supported.