Home Stabilized in Langworthy, IA
Challenge
A homeowner in Langworthy, IA, contacted MidAmerica Basement Systems reporting significant floor deflection (bouncing) and "unlevel" walking surfaces. Beyond the physical instability of the floors, the home’s shifting foundation had caused diagonal cracking in the upstairs drywall. These symptoms indicated that the existing crawl space supports were failing to bear the home's structural load, posing a long-term safety risk.
Solution
Our System Design Specialist performed a comprehensive structural audit. The inspection revealed a crawl space in advanced despair; the original support posts were either shifting, sinking into the soil, or deteriorating. This lack of support was the direct cause of the sagging floors and the resulting cosmetic damage upstairs.
To permanently stabilize the structure, we implemented the SmartJack® System. Unlike traditional concrete piers, SmartJacks are:
- Engineered for Strength: High-capacity, galvanized steel columns designed to stop settling.
- Adjustable: They allow for the potential to lift the floor back toward its original level.
- Stable: Each jack is installed on a pre-cast concrete base and engineered fill to prevent further sinking.
The Result
The installation was completed with minimal disruption to the homeowner’s daily routine. By transferring the home's load onto the SmartJack system, we successfully:
- Stabilized the subfloor, removing the "funhouse" feel.
- Closed structural gaps, reducing the visibility of upstairs wall cracks.
- Restored homeowner confidence in the safety and longevity of their property.