HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair Case Studies: Otisville, Mi Flooded Crawl Space Foundation Support Restored
Challenge
In Otisville, Mi, a family had concerns that their home had been settling for quite a few years, getting progressively worse. Interior walls were starting to crack at the corners, the kitchen cabinet was sinking, the floor was sagging in some spots, and they believe there may be a possible water leak in the basement on top of everything else. They needed a crawl space specialist, or a foundation repair contractor to help them find a solution for their precarious situation. Referred by a neighbor, they were put in touch with HomeSpec, helped them find the ideal contractor to suit their needs.
Project Manager Robert carefully inspected the property finding a 2-foot-high entrance to a definitely flooded crawl space, that wouldn't deter him from his investigation, though. As he explored the crawl space, he discovered that the main beam was eroding and weakened from prolonged water damage and would likely need to be replaced; other joists would require sistering or outright replacement. These discovered failing supports for the home’s foundation was a clear contributor to the Houses growing list of problems.
Solution
First and foremost, the flooded crawl space needed to be pumped out to secure a workspace and prevent further water damage to the supports. Once that was secured, our crew would begin replacing the main beam, and affected joists to restore some sense of security. However, to ensure the return of foundational support and to rebalance the sagging floors, we would need to install the SmartJack support system. To be stable, strong, and level, the floor above a crawl space requires solid mid-span support that's usually provided by a post-and-beam assembly. Unfortunately, beams are often undersized, and many contractors use wooden posts that can rot, shift and settle. When this happens, floor joists sag and other structural problems occur, as this family had discovered. The SmartJack system provides a permanent solution to these problems. Installed by attaching steel support beams to the floor joists and a sturdy base at the floor. Once all posts are installed, they are adjusted to raise floors to a level position. These reliable supports do however require solid footing, which after debating crushed gravel, our crew opted for installing concrete footing as a precaution due to the sensitive situation of the house.
The family noticed a swift improvement in their home’s situation with these solutions in place. They would go on to comment they no longer felt like they were walking on hollow trapdoors, with fears of falling in. They could finally have a restored sense of comfort in their own home.
