How to reinforce a crawlspace foundation?

Question

The house was built in 1920 with a very small crawl space. I only have about 18" to work with. The house is U shaped and the only supports are about 10' appart around the perimeter of the house. The joists are in exelent condition and I want them to stay that way. I would like to install more supports in the center of the house to keep it in good condition. I remind you that I only have about 18" of clearance. Any Ideas are appreciated thanks.

Answer 1

It won't be easy, but I've done it before. You need to dig out about 6 inches deep where you want the supports, then place concrete in the holes to form the footers. They only need to be about 1.5 foot square (check local building codes for exact dimensions). Once the concrete is set, place cement blocks until close to the floor joists. Finish off with oak boards and wedges. You will have to go back in from time to time as it settles to adjust it some.

Don't bother moving the dirt out, just sling it around under there. Get a tub large enough to mix one or two footing pours that will also fit through the crawlspace door. Tie a rope around it. Once the concrete is in the tub, crawl to the furthest footer with the rope, then pull the tub to you. Dump and repeat. The tub is also a good way to get the blocks, oak boards, and wedges under the house, too.

Good luck.

Answer 2

depending on what flooring you have -- i would try to install new support from the floor inside the house if possible mabey figure where you need the supports then cut a small square from cente r of joist to center of joist to gain access without having to crawl on your back--if you cut it center of joist the piece will fit right back in when your done -- another way is to hire a small person to crawl to get the job done

Answer 3

Sounds like 'post & beam` construction.
If the joists are good, there's no need for
additional support.