How to Install a Screw Jack to Level Your Floor

 

If your home is built on a large lot and is moved regularly, you can use screw jacks instead of solid wood posts between the concrete piers of the driveway and the joists that support the floor joists.

The screw jack is a metal bracket that can be adjusted to level the floor. It consists of two heavy steel tubes. The inner tube is threaded and adjusted up and down by turning a large wing nut. Screw jacks are nailed to wooden blocks at the bottom of the beam and on concrete piers.

 

·         Screw jacks can usually be found at local hardware stores and home centers. Here's how to install the screw jack.

•        In this process, use hydraulic jacks and short posts to support the floor.
•        Use a hammer, nail puller, or hammer to remove existing nails and studs.
•       Center the screw jack under the beam and over the concrete pillar wood block.
•         Adjust the screw jack so that the top and bottom plates are flush with the top and bottom wood surface.
•         Through the hole in the plate, drive a 16 cent nail into the wooden frame.
•          Lower the hydraulic jack to transfer the load from the floor to the new screw jack.
•          Adjust the screw jack up and down to obtain a flat surface.

In some cases, when making a fundamental adjustment to the floor, don't be surprised if the windows are broken and the doors are different. On the other hand, don't be surprised if some of the doors and windows that were once stuck are now working properly. Amazing what a little walk under the house can do!