Floor Supports and Joist Replacement
Floor Support and Joist Repair
At B&B Basement Repairs, we confidently rely on the Big Boy Jack System for strong, long-lasting floor support and joist repair. Manufactured locally in Waupaca, WI, these heavy-duty jacks provide the reliable performance our customers expect. Moreover, we use them across a wide range of structural applications—from crawl spaces and full basements to barns, porches, and overhangs.
To begin, we custom-cut each jack to the exact height your structure requires—ranging from 10 inches to 10 feet—while preserving its full load-bearing strength. In addition, every jack includes a solid 3.5” steel tube and a threaded bolt, allowing for precise post-installation adjustments. After that, we attach a steel plate to the top of the bolt and secure it directly to your support beam, whether it’s new or existing.
Once installation is complete, we use the built-in adjustment system to carefully lift sagging floors and reinforce weakened structural areas. As a result, your home regains strength, stability, and safety. When it comes to dependable floor support and joist repair, the Big Boy Jack System offers a proven solution—delivering long-term performance without shortcuts.
Big Boy Jack Installation
Why Our Floor Support and Joist Repair Method Stands Out
At B&B Basement Repairs, we take structural integrity seriously. That’s why we rely on our custom Big Boy Jack System—engineered to provide long-lasting floor support and joist repair, starting from the ground up.
We Build on Solid Foundations
To begin, our crew removes a 24″ x 24″ section of flooring in the area where support is needed. Then, we dig approximately 16 inches deep and pour a 12-inch-thick concrete footing. As a result, we create a stable base that meets or exceeds local building codes.
In contrast, some contractors rely on gravel or precast footing pads—methods that may work for decks but fall short when supporting a house. Rather than risk your home’s stability, we always use code-approved techniques that prioritize both safety and durability.
Engineered to Carry the Load
After the footing cures, we move on to the next critical step: installing a 12″ x 12″, ¼-inch thick steel plate on top. This plate evenly distributes the structural load and provides a firm platform for the jack.
Next, we custom-cut a Big Boy Jack from 3.5” solid steel tubing, tailoring it to the precise height needed for your space. Each jack features a built-in threaded adjustment bolt and a heavy-duty steel plate, which we secure directly to a new or existing support beam.
Once everything is in place, we carefully use the adjustment bolt to raise and level sagging floors—eliminating bounce and restoring overall stability.
Permanent Strength You Can Trust
Unlike systems that rely on pins or prefabricated components, the Big Boy Jack System is made from solid steel and includes no weak points. Because of its strength and reliability, this system has become our go-to solution for homes, barns, crawl spaces, porches, and full basements.
Whether you’re addressing structural settling, failing joists, or uneven flooring, our Big Boy Jack System delivers dependable floor support and joist repair—built to last and backed by decades of hands-on experience.
Note: Some companies place their supports on gravel-based footings. Some use precast footing pads. Precast footing pads don’t come close to meeting building codes. Precast footings are designed to hold decks, not houses. This is not acceptable in many circumstances, especially under existing support beams.
Choosing the Right Support Beams for Your Big Boy Jacks
Most of the time, our Big Boy Jack Systems are installed in conjunction with new headers or support beams to ensure long-term structural stability. At B&B Basement Repairs, we use a variety of beam types depending on your home’s specific needs and conditions.
Load and Structural Demands
First, we assess how much weight the system must support. For example, is it a single-story or two-story home? Are we placing jacks under load-bearing walls, or are we reinforcing open areas like living rooms?
Sometimes, our goal is to reduce sag or bounce in the floor. Other times, we need to lift a main support beam that carries weight from the upper level. Either way, understanding the load is essential before we begin.
Clearance and Accessibility
Next, we look at space constraints. Low-clearance crawl spaces often limit the size of beams we can install. In these cases, we typically use 4” steel I-beams. These are slimmer than wood or manufactured beams, but still strong enough to support the load.
Local Codes and Engineering
Additionally, we ensure everything complies with local building codes. In some cases, a structural engineer may need to review the plans. This is especially true when local inspectors require it or when beam spacing is critical. We never cut corners when it comes to safety.
Site-Specific Obstacles
Finally, we evaluate potential obstacles in the work area. These can include:
- Gas lines
- Heat vents
- Electrical wiring
- Water or plumbing lines
- The design of the floor joists
Each of these elements can affect how we install the beam. As a result, we may need to make custom modifications to ensure everything fits properly and performs as intended.
