Set a Jack on a Solid Base
Do this, not that when using a hydraulic or screw jack.
Small, hydraulic or screw jacks capable of safely lifting and supporting several tons are conveniently purchased online. (Be careful of buying used equipment, particularly hydraulic.) Although such projects move beyond “everyday maintenance,” the porch is a likely place where jacks might be used by a homeowner.
You can’t beat the safety and convenience of jacks when you need to remove a structural porch column for repair or replacement. Being able to “lift” the roof an eighth of an inch will make all the difference between an afternoon job and a nightmare. The key is to make sure that the jack is set on firm footing.
Wrong Way: Sunk In DirtWhen deciding where to place a jack, don’t assume the soil is “solid enough.” Do some preparation: Dig around for soft or wet spots and any rocks. Make corrections and tamp the soil before placing the jack (or see it list later on). Think ahead, too. Be sure you won’t need to dig near the jack later, which can undermine it.
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Right Way: Create a BaseDetermine where you need to place the jack. (Close to the column position is best.) Excavate a few inches of soil to create a one- to two-foot-square hole. Create a flat bottom and add gravel, tamping it down into the dirt until it feels solid. Level as you go. Install two alternating layers of 2x lumber (or a concrete patio paver) and tamp level. Rest the jack on this surface and begin the work.
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— Illustrations by Ray Tschoepe.
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