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Renovate · 02-08-2010, 07:08 PM

I have an older 1 1/2 story house with a rock wall and need to raise it up 18". I want to place jacks in the cellar but need to something to put them on. the floor to ceiling distance is about 7 feet. I am interested in seeing a diagram, picture or explanation of the crib work to set the jacks on. I want to find something inexpensive to build the crib work from and was thinking of railroad ties but these are replaced by the railroad when they are getting towards the end of their life for supporting a train and don't know if they would be strong enough for this use.

Bob Mariani · 02-08-2010, 07:15 PM

they are strong enough but pressure treated 6X6s are better. Why? square and even edges to prevent them rolling over during the lift. Use bottle jacks and 4X4 posts or pole jacks. Be sure whatever you use is perfectly level in all directions. Lift slowly and evenly to prevent cracks throughout the house. Lift only 1/4" and wait to allow the house to settle again.

firehawkmph · 02-08-2010, 07:34 PM

Reno,
This is one of those jobs where I think you would be wise to talk to a house moving crew in your area and see what they want to lift the house for you.
Mike Hawkins

tpolk · 02-08-2010, 07:42 PM

plus even the old ties down here weigh a ton

oh'mike · 02-08-2010, 07:43 PM

I'm with Mike Hawkins on this one---I've helped jack some amazing weight,as a millwright.

We always used oak or steel---I've seen concrete fail under the stress of high point loads.

Pine as cribbing in the hands of a novice would make me want to run. --Mike--

wrangler · 02-08-2010, 08:30 PM

Was reading this post and just had to ask... is lifting a house 18" a common thing or even safe? Just seems that a house that is has sunk that far would have all kinds of problems ( plumbing, doors, even electrical?) Would the structure itself in relationship to the wall joints be sound?
Just curious....
Brett

oh'mike · 02-08-2010, 09:43 PM

A lot of the older houses had shallow cellars. As long as the house is being lifted to build a modern foundation--Why not life it up to a more usable height?

Quite common.--Mike--

**Scuba_Dave** · 02-08-2010, 09:46 PM

Whats the floor space of the 1st floor...dimensions of house ?

Rory Read · 02-08-2010, 10:34 PM

Not really your typical diy job.

I would love to see photos if you manage to pull it off!

Good luck,

Rory

RDG Read Development LLC
Portland, OR

jlhaslip · 02-09-2010, 02:43 AM

House Movers have access to all sorts of trick stuff, like self-levelling hydraulic lifting systems, Engineers and experience.

Bob Mariani · 02-09-2010, 08:07 AM

To answer some of the above questions.

No it is not a DIY job. Normally I would have 8 people lifting in unison. Radio controlled jacks. It must be done perfectly level and very slowly with time allowed between lifts.

No it is not common. What is common is raising the entire roof to add a second level to cape style houses. This saves the roof costs and reduces time the house is exposed to the weather. The time to get this covered is about 12 hours.

**Scuba_Dave** · 02-09-2010, 08:10 AM

Definitely not DIY unless it is a VERY small house
Even the Pro's will sweat it out as the house is lifted & supported
I have seen quite a few houses jacked up to have a proper foundation poured
One a storm came in & blew the house off the supports, destroying the house