Screw Jack posts in basement?

[NC Values]

I did a little additional research and apparently 2 types of "adjustable columns": (1)single piece & (2) Telescoping. Single piece columns over 3" in diameter may be suitable for permanent installation, but telescoping posts are for temporary use only.

My appraisal home has the telescoping type and are less than 3" diameter. I believe an inspection is called for.

 

[Peter LeQuire]

The screw type steel jack posts are pretty common around here as repairs for additional support of floors in older houses, or in houses where Bubba notched one or several floor joists or the main support beam. They should be on proper footers (though how you determine that is beyond me) and properly secured at the top. FHA used to require that, in addition to footer and attachment, the screw be welded so that it can't be turned again. I would also opine that the post ought to be perpendicular.

(When we bought our house, I had a structural inspection done - the engineer recommended steel jack posts as preferable to block piers as a retro fit.)

 

[JSmith43]

They should be on proper footers (though how you determine that is beyond me)

A really long masonry bit or ground penetrating radar, if you can find a unit that will work through a cement slab:icon_mrgreen:

I owned a contracting company in the '70's. We did FHA repairs & I recall that they did want screw adjustable jack posts welded. We would weld a bead or braze a blob of brass on the threads so it could be adjusted tighter, but not looser. That passed, but no doubt that had much to do with the judgement of the inspector.

The replacements were mostly of rotting wood supports back then.

 

[Mike Boyd]

They are great in areas with unstable soil.

 

[hglenbetts]

I did a little additional research and apparently 2 types of "adjustable columns": (1)single piece & (2) Telescoping. Single piece columns over 3" in diameter may be suitable for permanent installation, but telescoping posts are for temporary use only.

My appraisal home has the telescoping type and are less than 3" diameter. I believe an inspection is called for.

I would tend to agree.
The 3" single post type are excellent. Provides rigid support with adjustability.

The two piece pole (with pins in preset holes) are meant to be temporary. The one's I just finished using were rated at about 1500 lbs. Unless they're spaced every couple feet, you're most likely overloading them

 

[valuequestor]

Screw Jacks

Screw Jacks hold up half of Kansas homes.Not a problem.Beer cans and cinder blocks are a problem..

I agree with Mr. Bell Screw Jacks are all over Northern Virginia with its "expansive soils", and have been for over 40 years.........Beer Cans, Ha! Do you have a picture Greg? That made me laugh! Thanks man......freakin Monday.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I think nearly all houses have them here in Colorado. Been a property owner of more than 45 years, all of my houses had (have) them, never needed to have them adjusted.