How to Lower Footings on Piers & Beams
- 1). Check with local general contractors, or the local municipal office responsible for overseeing construction to get the specifications for the new foundation pier. If any questions exist, have a professional come to the work site and advise you of any details and building codes you must be aware of while completing the project.
- 2). Gain access to the pier footing which must be replaced. It it is under a house, clear out as much debris or existing earth as needed to gain access to the work area.
- 3). Clear two four-foot-by-four-foot areas of earth by removing any sod or loose dirt from the surface of the ground. The house must be supported so the existing footing can be removed and replaced, and these areas will create a temporary foundation.
- 4). Lay the metal plates onto the areas of clear earth, and then place the bottle jacks in the center of the metal plates. Rest the steel I-beam across the tops of the bottle jacks so that it passes under the area of the home that will be supported while the existing pier is removed.
- 5). Slowly crank the jacks up until the weight of the home is held by the steel beam, and removed from the existing damaged pier.
- 1). Completely remove the existing pier and foundation. All the concrete, cement block, bricks and other materials must be removed so that a new foundation can be poured at a deeper level.
- 2). Dig the hole for the new foundation pier according to local building codes. At the bottom of the hole, the pier must rest on undisturbed earth so that it creates a solid foundation that will not shift under the weight of the building.
- 3). Set the concrete pier form into the hole. Make sure the form is vertically level, or plumb. Make sure the top of the form is at the exact level with the other piers which support the home. Cut off the top of the cardboard concrete form to the proper level before pouring the concrete.
- 1). Mix the concrete in the plastic concrete mixing tub using the hoe to stir the aggregate and water together. Mix enough concrete to completely fill the concrete form. The pier must be completely poured at one time.
- 2). Fill the concrete form with concrete gravel mix. Tap the sides of the form as the concrete is poured into the form to make sure all the air bubbles are out and the concrete settles all the way to the bottom of the form. Level off the top of the pier with a cement trowel, and allow the concrete to dry according to manufacturers instructions listed on the side of the concrete bag.
- 3). Refill the hole around the pier with dirt. Pack or tamp the dirt down around the pier to create a firm, solid area that will not settle over time.
- 4). Once the concrete is dry, slowly lower the bottle jacks so that the weight of the home comes back down on top of the new pier foundation. Remove the I-beam, bottle jacks and metal plates.