I currently own an old farm house, and while I find its character charming, I also find its sloping floors far from functional. I constantly think about getting under the house and jacking it up in an effort to level my floors. However, I always stop just short of tackling this project, as I get extremely nervous that I will cause more harm than good. I am looking for you to give me either the courage or the discouragement that I need to resolve my conflict.
Thank you, Lee
Dear Lee,
I applaud you for not tackling this project without first gaining more insight into the art of jacking a building. In most cases, I recommend that the jacking of a building is best left to the professionals. As you alluded to earlier, not only can the collateral damage from improper jacking be extensive, it can also lead to serious injury or death.
Because of the various conditions and variables encountered when jacking, I would do you and other readers, an injustice by trying to give you detailed information about how to successfully jack a building. Instead, I will give you a series of things to look for before deciding whether you want to attempt a jacking job or bring in a professional.
• Determine the exact area that needs to be jacked up. Often, when working in a small area or working with limited access, people will jack as close to the desired area as possible. This is a dangerous practice, because not jacking on the proper stress points can lead to damage of the area, slippage of the jack, etc. Always, locate the jacks where they need to be. Additionally, never jack without having an adequate work area as well as a short and clear exit path.
• Inspect the wood area where your jack will be located. You will want to look for any rot or stressed areas of the wood. Even though you will be using a metal plate against the wood surface, it is important to know that there will not be any crumbling or breakage of the wood. I have seen wood timbers that outwardly looked like solid pieces but give way because of dry rot when under the pressure of jacking. Any sudden movement when jacking can be catastrophic.
• Choose the proper size and style jack for the task at hand. I always use a larger jack than the task calls for. Additionally, I am a fan of screw type jacks, as they tend to give you more control of the movement. Please remember, this is one of those types of projects that can get away from you in a hurry if you’re not experienced.
Be safe.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine and appears locally on WCSH’s 207. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.