Structural Stability and Moisture Protection in Amory, MS

Challenge

Austin and Laura S. of Amory, MS purchased their home with the intention of renovating and selling it for a profit. However, shortly after moving in, they began noticing floor instability issues beyond what they originally anticipated. What started as a small amount of bowing near the front door soon escalated into significant settling in the kitchen and hallway. Eventually, the bathroom door became difficult to open and close, signaling that the home’s foundation and floor joists were struggling to provide adequate support. Determined to address the issue in a cost-effective manner, the family reached out to a competitor for a professional assessment. Unfortunately, the proposed solution—completely replacing all joists and subflooring—was financially out of reach.

Seeking a more practical approach, they opted for a second opinion, which revealed that most of the existing joists and subflooring were still salvageable. The primary issue stemmed from the 2x8” joists, which spanned 14 feet and were spaced 17 inches apart (to dead center). Over time, humidity levels in the crawl space—measured in the upper teens—had contributed to the bowing of the joists in the middle, leading to floor instability. Additionally, previous attempts at reinforcement using 4x4s and concrete blocks were deemed inadequate, as they lacked the structural integrity required to properly support the home. Given these findings, a SmartJack™ support system, supplemental beams, and LumberKote™ moisture protection were identified as the most effective and budget-friendly solutions.

Solution

To stabilize the home’s foundation and prevent further structural degradation, our team installed a total of 30 feet of supplemental beams and six SmartJacks™. The kitchen and bathroom areas, where the most severe settling had occurred, were reinforced with 20 feet of supplemental beams and four SmartJacks™, ensuring maximum support for the overspanned joists. Additionally, to correct the floor instability at the front of the home, we implemented 10 feet of supplemental beams and two SmartJacks™, restoring even weight distribution across the affected areas.

In addition to reinforcing the floor, it was crucial to address the moisture problem that had contributed to the joist bowing. With humidity levels recorded in the upper teens, there was a clear risk of further wood deterioration if left untreated. To combat this, we applied LumberKote™, a specialized moisture-resistant coating designed to protect the joists from future humidity-related damage. The crawl space had an average clearance of 18 inches, with no obstacles preventing a smooth installation process. By integrating both structural reinforcement and moisture mitigation, this solution provided the Austin and Laura with long-term protection and peace of mind.

Results & Conclusion

Thanks to the targeted approach using SmartJack™ stabilization, supplemental beams, and LumberKote™ moisture protection, Austin and Laura successfully addressed their crawl space issues without exceeding their budget. The floors were restored to proper alignment, the bowing was corrected, and the home’s foundation was now properly supported. Unlike the original proposal, which called for a full joist and subfloor replacement, this solution allowed the homeowners to retain the structural integrity of their existing flooring while implementing cost-effective reinforcements.

By opting for a strategic and efficient repair rather than an unnecessary full rebuild, the family not only secured the stability of their home but also preserved their renovation budget—ensuring they could move forward with their goal of selling the property. If you're facing similar crawl space concerns, whether due to settling floors, moisture damage, or inadequate past repairs, Redeemers Group offers a reliable and affordable way to restore the safety and value of your home.

Project Summary

Team Lead: Justin