The Job Site: Jacking and Leveling a Concrete Slab

This is the stage of leveling a concrete slab – an important part of foundation repair in Houston. After the concrete has cured for approximately 10 – 14 days, the jacking and leveling crew will arrive. They will set two concrete blocks and a hydraulic jack on top of each pier and raise the house as near to the original grade as possible. All piers will be shimmed and adjusted by our skilled crews until the house or building is as level as possible.

Intro to House Leveling
The supervisor reviews the plan for jacking and leveling the home.	The hydraulic jacks are lubricated prior to the jacking process.
Each Bell Bottom Pier will use two concrete blocks to support the main beam of the house.	The sand and topsoil arrives and will be used in the final phase of the job.
The crew removes the protective covers to gain access to the fully cured piers.	This photo shows the top of a Bell Bottom Pier after it has cured for ten days.
Jacking the House and Closing the Gaps (part 1) Jacking the House and Closing the Gaps (part 2)
The next step is to place the hydraulic jack on top of the Bell Bottom Pier.	This hydraulic jack, along with several others, will simultaneously lift a portion of the foundation.
Steel shims are placed between the jack and the foundation’s beam to give a greater area of lift.	This is an excellent view of the hydraulic jack and the pier prior to the lifting and leveling.
The concrete blocks are installed in sequence.	The steel shims are hammered into place to provide a very tight fit.
This photo depicts a completed lifting process. The concrete blocks and steel shims are in place.	The next step is to enter the house and measure elevation of floors and “squareness” of doors. If necessary the crew will adjust the concrete blocks and steel shims.
Checking the Interior Level Jacking and Closing the Gaps (part 3) Jacking and Closing the Gaps – Success (part 4)
The excavated hole is then filled with a mixture of sand and clay called select fill.	The select fill is tamped the “old fashioned” way.
Topsoil is placed on top of the select fill so your new grass or plants will flourish.

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