Before & After Photos

This homeowner called us because they noticed horizontal cracks in their foundation walls and they noticed that the walls were bowing in more and more over time. They knew they were going to need some reinforcing to protect their home, so they called us. We installed our steel zinc-coated PowerBraces on all the walls that were bowing in. PowerBraces are great because they are designed to not only realign the walls over time, but they also protect floor joists from damage, unlike other steel beams other contractors may install.

This bowed wall was very much a cause of concern for the people living above. The gap you see in the middle of the wall is most likely where the frost line is in the dirt outside of the basement. The frost line often correlates with where a wall bows inward because it is where the most pressure is exerted on the wall over time. We fixed the bowed wall by installing our PowerBrace system. The PowerBraces are designed to prevent floor joist damage, unlike other commonly seen repairs. They are also designed to stay rust free, and possibly straighten the wall back out over time. If you are considering a bowed wall repair, be sure to ask questions about the what the repair was designed to do by the installers.

The floorboards above this crawl space were sagging and cracking because the concrete block columns supporting them were sinking into the soil. Prolonged dry weather had caused the soil to shrink, creating gaps that allowed the concrete blocks to settle further into the ground. With the blocks no longer able to hold the weight of the home's first floor, the structure began to fail.

The homeowners attempted a DIY fix, using a makeshift arrangement of 2x4s and cinder blocks. Unfortunately, this approach lacked the stability and strength needed to support the crawlspace or anchor securely to solid ground.

To solve the problem, we installed our SmartJack Crawl Space Support System. SmartJacks are designed to prevent sinking by distributing the load across their uniquely engineered, bulb-shaped foundation. They're also adjustable, ensuring that the floors remain level and supported over the long term. With SmartJacks in place, the homeowners can now rest assured that their floors will stay strong and stable for years to come.

Before and After: Replacing Failing Lally Columns with SmartJack® Posts in Jamestown, OH

In Jamestown, OH, a homeowner faced structural concerns due to failing lally columns in their basement. These traditional steel columns, often concrete-filled, are designed to support significant loads. However, over time, factors like corrosion, inadequate footing, or improper installation can compromise their integrity.

Before:

• Visible Signs of Failure: The existing lally columns showed signs of rust and deterioration, raising concerns about their load-bearing capacity.

• Structural Concerns: The homeowner noticed uneven floors and minor cracks in the walls, indicating potential settling issues.

• Limited Adjustability: Traditional lally columns lack the flexibility to adjust post-installation, making it challenging to address settling problems.

After:

• Installation of SmartJack® Posts: We replaced the failing lally columns with our SmartJack® system. These galvanized steel posts are designed for crawl space and basement applications, offering superior strength and adjustability.

• Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity: SmartJack® posts are engineered to support substantial loads, providing immediate stabilization to the structure.

• Adjustable Solution: Unlike traditional lally columns, SmartJack® posts can be adjusted over time, allowing for precise leveling and long-term support.

• Corrosion Resistance: The galvanized coating on SmartJack® posts ensures durability and resistance to moisture-related corrosion.

This transformation not only addressed the immediate structural concerns but also provided the homeowner with peace of mind, knowing their basement support system is robust and adaptable for the future.

This homeowner in New Vienna, OH, had sagging floor joists, so they thought they would try and fix the problem themselves by using jack posts from their local hardware store. The homeowner quickly realized that these posts stood no chance against the weight of the frame, so they gave us a call to install our heavy duty SmartJack posts. These posts are made of galvanized steel, which helps prevent rust. These supports can hold up to 60,000 vertical pounds, compared to the lally columns seen in the before photo, which can only hold up to 23,000 pounds. The homeowner was happy to know that their floors are now safe and sturdy as can be.