A Comprehensive Guide on House Elevation

Today, we have a plethora of options, common retrofitting methods to house elevation to fill a requirement or FPE (desired Flood Protection Elevation). A house when built needs to raise to a proper standard height so that living area will be above severe floods (such as the 500-year flood). The process generally involves two steps:-

1. The common lifting of the house to a new or existing foundation,
2. Building an elevated floor within the home or adding a new upper story

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What happens during the elevation process?

An on-going process of elevation involves most frame, masonry veneer and a masonry house that with separation from their foundation. Then using a hydraulic jack the house is raised with a temporary support . Then it is time for a construction for a new foundation below. A raise for the living area comes right after. Now only the foundation remains exposed to flooding. This is a perfect technique for well build houses whose construction initially began on the basement, crawlspace and open foundation.

Here are top considerations to make while house lifting

1. The amount of elevation: The amount of elevation is determined by the chosen FPE. So for example, in case the FPE equates to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), then you might need to consider elevating, so the lowest floor is above the elevation. Unfortunately, if your house receives damage, then your floodplain community law will require that your lowest level is above the BFE.
2. Other hazards: Additional modifications appear during the retrofitting project. Because so many elevation techniques are available. You can choose a elevation process to beat almost any situation. House Elevation needs examination for different hazardous conditions. Also resisting the undermining of any expected erosion.
3. Access: When elevating a house, we need new means of access. One example would be of the entry door. If the entry door is originally at ground level, we need to build perharps a new staircase, elevator or even ramps.
4. Service Equipment: Make sure to disconnect all utility lines (water, sewer, gas, electric, telephone etc.) before kicking out the elevation of the house. At the end of the project, you can reconnect all back. While you elevate your home on an open foundation, utility lines would be at mercy of elements and therefore might have to face damage. It is essential to anchor and keep them safe.

Read more: The Hidden Signs that Cause the Biggest Foundation Problems

Elevating on extended foundation walls

Commonly frames, masonry veneer, and masonry houses shall be elevated on extended foundation walls. The following points describe a few techniques used for homes built on basements and crawlspace foundations. The method differs from that house built on a slab-on-ground foundation.

Part 1: House building on a basement foundation

For a house constructed on a basement foundation, the elevation process is the same for frame, masonry veneer and masonry houses. Firstly, a hole is made at intervals in the foundation’s wall. A series of steel I-beams are installed at critical points (under the floor framing). So, if the foundation walls are made on concrete blocks, the lifting contractor can remove individual blocks to create the required holes. Then I-beams are placed so that they run perpendicular to the floor joists. Another set of vertical beams is then positioned below the first set. These two sets of beams extend the width and length of the house and form a cradle that supports the house as it is raised.

Read more: Basement support beams

Part 2: House on SLAB-on-grade foundation

For a house build on Slab-on-grade foundation, hydraulic jacks and a network of I-beams are used. The difference between the slab-on-grade house and those of other types of foundations presents particular difficulties. Hence they require a different lifting technique. The slab rather than the wood forms the Floor of a home. Because the slab form of the floor of the house, elevating the homes is much easier if the house and slab are lifted together. The contractor must take extreme care during such lifting process.

Elevating on an open foundation

Nowadays, frame, masonry veneer, and masonry house built on basement, crawlspace and slab-on-grade foundation can be quickly elevated on an open foundation consisting of piers, posts, column, or pilling. House constructed initially on an open foundation can also be elevated this way.

1. Piers: While the house elevation task is under process and the house is lifted high enough, then new masonry piers are built on the existing foundations. If the existing foundation is adequate, there is no reason to either modify or remove and replace by separate footing for the individual piers. Piers can be constructed of cast-in-place concrete.
2. Posts or Columns: The posts are usually placed in drilled or excavated holes. The simple approach is that each post or column is either encased in concrete or anchored to a concrete pad. The house is then elevated as per the procedure the same as for the piers. But, the existing foundation must be removed for the post or columns or pads to be installed.
3. Pilling: The Pilling process is a far more involved process. The pilling is usually driven into the ground or jetted in with a high-pressure stream of water. No, they are not supported by concrete footing or pad. Unlike the construction of the wall, pier, or post require heavy construction machinery. The existing foundation is not in use, and therefore it needs removal.

This is the complete guide to house elevation. The tips and methods shown here will help you in getting a better, clear idea in the process of elevating a house. Review the guide to get the best of the house lifting.

Read more: Slab Vs Crawl Space Foundations: Key Differences & Attributes

Written by Atlas Foundation Repair. April 4, 2019

Atlas Foundation Repair is an established commercial & residential foundation repair firm in Houston, TX. We have over 42 years of experience in serving over 25,000 homeowners. Our team ensures 100% satisfaction for your foundation repairs.