Photo Album: Support pillars to stabilize a crawl space in Longueuil
Brick blocks or columns are not the effective solution to fix problems of unstable foundations in the crawl space.
Actually if the columns are too far apart, the beams can become overloaded and bend between the columns. When the beams bend, the floor above it bends too.
In addition, these columns may collapse due to weak soil. If so, there will be a gap between the top of the column and the bottom of the beam it was supporting.
As a result, the beam will flex and the floor will do the same.
Finally, as the crawl space is often damp, the beams weaken and the wood rots. Thus, they will no longer be able to support the weight of the house.
The solution is simple; SmartJack pillars and galvanized steel PowerBrace beams will stabilize your foundations permanently and lift them to their original position immediately.
Below you can see more details about this job in Longueil, Qc
Unstable brick columns
Brick blocks and columns do not provide effective and permanent support for the crawl space, as they will move according to the weak ground motions. We must put pillars that support the house on a stronger ground.
Space too far
It's not enough to simply build columns randomly. It is necessary to distribute the load of the house equitably on the pillars otherwise the beam will bend because of the overload.
PowerBrace Galvanized Steel Beams
PowerBrace beams can replace simple wooden beams. Having galvanized steel beams instead of wooden beams allows the material to resist moisture, mold and crumbling.
SmartJacks system
The SmartJacks support pillars are adjustable. You can tighten them over time to adapt the reinforcement system to the movements of the foundations.
Cleanspace Membrane
The CleanSpace vapor barrier membrane encapsulates the walls to block water vapor and other sources of moisture. The antibacterial additive infused into the membrane helps block the growth of bacteria and mold.
WaterGuard Inner Drain
We also had the chance to waterproof the basement of this client. Our WaterGuard Drain intercepts water coming from the floor and walls with spaces and interstices specially designed for this purpose.
Vapor barrier and drain
The CleanSpace membrane is connected to the WaterGuard internal drain to form a system that blocks and redirects water to a sump pump system.