Consolidation of a collapsed crawl space in Lac-Megantic, Quebec
Challenge
The owners of a house in Lac-Megantic contacted us after noticing that their floors were sagging and bouncing, making some rooms uncomfortable and raising safety concerns. Inspection of the crawl space revealed weakened joists and unstable beams, exacerbated by uneven ground beneath the existing columns and high humidity, a common problem in older homes. The homeowners wanted a durable solution that would stabilize the floors and protect their home for the long term.
Solution
To remedy this situation, we installed our SmartJack® system, an adjustable galvanized steel support. Each SmartJack® was positioned under critical points of the floor, on a consolidated backfill base, to distribute the load evenly. We then gradually adjusted each support to straighten sagging joists and beams, eliminate bounce, and level the floors. The system allows for precise adjustment without damaging the existing structure and offers maximum corrosion resistance.
In addition, we checked the integrity of the crawl space, reinforced areas where the floor was weakened, and ensured adequate insulation to protect the wood from moisture. This combined approach stabilized the structure, secured the floor, and made the house more comfortable, while preserving its value and longevity.
Project Summary
City: Lac-Megantic
Province: Quebec
Problem: Sagging floor
Solution: SmartJack System