Leveling a house with jacks is a complex and delicate process that requires precision, patience, and technical expertise. It involves raising the house slightly off its foundation, then adjusting the jacks to level the structure before lowering it back down. This method is often necessary when a house has settled unevenly over time, causing structural damage or discomfort for its occupants. While it may seem like a daunting task, leveling a house with jacks can be safely accomplished with the right tools, materials, and knowledge.
Before embarking on this project, it is crucial to assess the extent of the unevenness and determine whether leveling is necessary. Uneven floors or walls, cracks in the foundation or walls, and doors or windows that stick are common indicators that leveling may be required. It is also important to note that leveling a house is not a quick fix and can take several days or even weeks to complete, depending on the severity of the problem.
To ensure a successful outcome, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance from a licensed contractor or structural engineer. These experts possess the specialized knowledge and equipment necessary to safely and effectively level a house, minimizing the risk of damage or further settlement. They will assess the situation, develop a plan, and provide guidance throughout the process, ensuring that the house is restored to a level and stable condition.
Selecting the Appropriate Jacks
Choosing the right jacks for your house leveling project is crucial for ensuring safety and effectiveness. Several key factors should be considered when making your selection:
Capacity: The weight of your house must be evenly distributed across the jacks, so their total capacity should exceed the estimated weight. Refer to structural plans or consult a professional engineer for weight estimates.
Height Range: Jacks come in various heights to accommodate the varying elevations of your house. Select jacks that have a height range that covers the estimated lift distance for each location.
Type: Hydraulic, bottle, and screw jacks are the most common types used for house leveling. Hydraulic jacks offer high power and ease of use but can be expensive. Bottle jacks are more compact and portable but have lower capacity. Screw jacks provide precise adjustments but are slower and require more manual effort.
In addition to the factors above, consider the following guidelines when selecting jacks:
| Characteristic | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Jack Plate | Wide and strong enough to distribute the load evenly |
| Pump Capacity | Sufficient to lift the estimated weight without overheating |
| Safety Features | Safety valve, overload protection, leak-proof design |
| Brand Reputation | Choose jacks from reputable manufacturers known for quality and durability |
Checking for Levelness
Once the jacks are installed and loaded, it’s crucial to check the levelness of the house. This involves using a spirit level or laser level to measure the slope of the foundation along various points.
Using a Spirit Level
Place a spirit level on the floor at different locations and check the bubble position. If the bubble is centered, the surface is level. If the bubble shifts away from the center, the floor slopes. Note the direction and magnitude of the slope.
Using a Laser Level
Position a laser level on a tripod and adjust it to project a horizontal line around the perimeter of the house. Measure the distance between the laser line and the floor at multiple points. If the distances are consistent, the floor is level. If there are variations in distances, the floor slopes.
Identifying Slope Direction
When checking for levelness, it’s important to determine the direction of the slope. If the bubble in the spirit level or the laser line indicates that the floor slopes, observe whether it slopes towards the outside or inside of the house. This information will guide the placement of jacks and the direction of leveling.
Table: Levelness Measurement Options
| Measurement Tool | Accuracy | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit Level | Low | Easy |
| Laser Level | High | Moderate |
How To Level A House With Jacks
Leveling a house with jacks is a complex and dangerous task that should only be attempted by experienced professionals. If you are not comfortable working with heavy machinery or do not have the proper training, it is best to hire a contractor to level your house for you.
That said, if you are confident in your abilities and have the necessary tools and experience, leveling a house with jacks can be a rewarding experience. Here are the steps involved:
- Prepare the house. This involves removing all furniture and belongings from the house, as well as any obstacles that could get in the way of the jacks.
- Set up the jacks. The jacks should be placed at the corners of the house, as well as at any other points where the house is sagging. The jacks should be spaced evenly apart and should be set on a solid foundation.
- Lift the house. Using the jacks, slowly lift the house until it is level. Be sure to monitor the jacks closely and make sure that they are not lifting the house too quickly or unevenly.
- Support the house. Once the house is level, it needs to be supported while the jacks are removed. This can be done by using shims or cribbing.
- Remove the jacks. Once the house is supported, the jacks can be removed.
Leveling a house with jacks is a challenging task, but it can be done safely and effectively with the proper preparation and care.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to level a house with jacks?
The cost of leveling a house with jacks will vary depending on the size of the house, the amount of work required, and the location of the house. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for this service.
How long does it take to level a house with jacks?
The time it takes to level a house with jacks will vary depending on the size of the house and the amount of work required. However, you can expect the process to take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Is it safe to level a house with jacks?
Leveling a house with jacks can be dangerous if it is not done properly. However, if you are working with a qualified contractor and taking all the necessary precautions, it is generally safe to level a house with jacks.
