Reinforcing Sagging Floors in Jacobsburg, OH

Challenge

Jacobsburg, located in Belmont County, sits in a region of Ohio known for expansive clay soils that swell with moisture and shrink when dry. These soil cycles weaken the ground beneath homes, especially crawl spaces, leading to structural movement over time.

In this part of Ohio, sloping terrain, the use of fill soils, and shallow bedrock further complicate the stability of foundations. If a crawl space foundation rests partially on bedrock and partially on soil, differential settlement can occur—causing uneven support beneath floor joists. Past mining activity in the Belmont County area adds another layer of risk for soil instability and shifting.

A Jacobsburg homeowner began to notice clear symptoms of these underlying issues: sagging, uneven floors that threatened both the comfort and safety of their home. Knowing it was time to act, they reached out to Keystone Basement Systems in search of a long-term fix—not just a quick patch.

Solution

Our response began with a prompt consultation from our Customer Care Specialist, followed by an on-site inspection by a System Design Specialist who quickly identified the root cause: weakened floor joists and shifting crawl space conditions.

We recommended the SmartJack® Support System—a robust, engineered solution built to stabilize and lift sagging floor beams, especially in regions with problematic soil.

Our production team, led by an experienced foreman, got to work:

• Galvanized steel SmartJack® columns were custom-cut to the exact height needed for each support point

• Each post was installed on a durable steel base, capable of distributing weight effectively even on unsettled or expansive soil

• Adjustable high-strength brackets were fastened to the floor joists, allowing precise leveling and long-term adaptability

The outcome was immediately clear:

• Sagging floors were lifted and stabilized

• Bounce and flex in the flooring were significantly reduced

• Structural support was fully restored, offering peace of mind for the homeowner

What began as an unsettling issue had been transformed into a safe, level, and supportive living space. The homeowner could once again walk confidently through their home, knowing the issue was not only resolved—but resolved right.

At Keystone Basement Systems, that’s what we aim for every time: not just fixing the problem, but delivering a redefined contractor experience and building stronger homes—and communities—from the ground up.