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matt112
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# Posted: 16 Jun 2021 13:55
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Going to be leveling a sagging corner in the cabin with bottle jacks. Any idea what size of jacks would be needed? I was thinking 12 ton but wondering if that will be enough to get the job done. The cabin measures about 20x35ft
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matt112
Member
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# Posted: 16 Jun 2021 13:56
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Here is a picture
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 16 Jun 2021 14:37
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IF you are just renting one, get a 20-25 Ton unit and whatever you do, make sure it is on a solid "pad" so it doesn't sink. BTDT ! Ohh no fun !
IF you have anything big & heavy in the corner you want to lift, it's better to move it... If you don't and you hear creaks OR worse cracks, STOP !
DO NOT GET UNDER the cabin when on a Jack !
Do make a Pilon with criss crossed Large Lumber to slip under the rim in case the jack goes, so the cabin only drops an inch or so, just enough to save the cabin and your butt.
Murphy's Laws love to be applied to such adventures.
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spencerin
Member
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# Posted: 16 Jun 2021 19:18
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How many jacks do you plan on using?
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Fanman
Member
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# Posted: 16 Jun 2021 20:50
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Hah! Our cabin was about 8" out of level across the 18' of the living room alone, and (of course) the low spot was near the middle, where the cabin is only maybe 18" above grade. I had to slither in like a snake on my stomach with what I think was a 20 ton jack. I'd make a couple pumps, listen to the terrifying creaking sounds above my head while I squirted back out like toothpaste from a tube, wait until the sounds stopped, then repeat for another couple of pumps. My daughter stood by ready to call 911. Once I got to the point where the windows closed properly again, even though it still wasn't level I declared it "good enough".
A corner, by contrast, should be easy!
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 17 Jun 2021 05:12
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@Fanman, LMAO Toothpaste squirt indeed, great description. I've been in many situations of lifting stuff, like when I was levelling up the floor in my previous house during Reno (built in 1896 Baloon framed house). Some cracks don't bother BUT some... boy they can sure Make ya Move FAST ! There is that Gut-Wrenching sound when in that situation that kicks the adrenaline into overload.
BTW, There is ONE RULE I skipped around once and $$ OUCH $$ but could have been much worse... Lift is small increments and slowly. Allow to settle between lifts of 1". MOST IMPORTANTLY, the older the structure the more patience is required, warped / deformed beams under pressure that are "set" over time Can & Will Crack if moved too fast. No if's no and's and no but's about it. Like the Old House Reno, 1 week sit for every inch up... lesson learned after 1st lift as to why.
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 17 Jun 2021 06:18
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I had a big hump in my living room floor once. I added a beam and lowered another. It took nearly 1yr for the creaking and poping to stop at night..and that was only a 1in tall hump. Be prepared to wait.
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matt112
Member
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# Posted: 17 Jun 2021 07:56
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Thanks for all the insight, and I was hoping to use probably 6 jacks, (currently have three 8 ton jacks and was thinking of picking up a few 12 ton)
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Royalwapiti
Member
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2021 22:23
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How did it go?
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cscarff
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 2021 13:55
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I need to jack up my cabin as well--about the same size, 20 x 32. It sits on 4 x 6 posts 36" in the ground, and I need to jack up 4 of the posts at a corner. I was planning to put the weight on the jacks and then cut the posts, raise the cabin, and insert 4 x 6 blocks once I get it at the right level. Does that sound like it will work?
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Cedar cabin
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 2021 17:16 - Edited by: Cedar cabin
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Hi guys my name is Stuart,
I’m brand new to this forum.
My wife and I bought an abandoned cabin in the Catskill Mountains 2 years ago and we’ve spent every weekend with our contractors help rebuilding it in order to rent out and enjoy when it’s not booked.
We had a metal roof installed and unfortunately our contractor did not level the rafters before finishing the cabin. It sits on cinderblocks which are solid as we have several large rocks under the cabin keeping everything in place for the past 100 years. My question is can I slowly elevate the rafters to level my floors with a metal roof where am I risking the warranty if some of the rivets pop? Advice would be greatly appreciated. I already lifted The front porch about an inch and I’ve had no effect with the metal roof that’s far. Thanks for reading and I wish you all and enjoyable week. Sincerely Stuart, New York City
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 2021 17:31
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Level the rafters to level the floor 
Do we have a terminology mix up? Ie, rafters support the roof, joists support the floor.
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Royalwapiti
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 2021 21:37
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As stated earlier. Not sure you have your terminology correct. Doesn't appear you have rafters, you have beams or timber framing. Also there likely are not rivets, metal roofs would be screwed down. The screws have rubber washers which would allow some movement and still seal.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 2021 21:45
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After all that reno and expense to be able to 'rent it out', without starting at the foundation and floor, maybe you should fire the contractor? Surprised this didnt come up in all your conversations and working together every weekend.
All things considered, you better consult with the contractor who knows the building, we sure dont.
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cscarff
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2021 19:09
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I'm going to post this question again. I need to jack up my cabin. It's 20' x 32' sits on 4 x 6 posts 36" in the ground, and I need to jack up 4 of the posts at a corner. I was planning to put the weight on the jacks and then cut the posts, raise the cabin, and insert 4 x 6 blocks once I get it at the right level. Does that sound like it will work?
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2021 19:43 - Edited by: gcrank1
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Yes, that could work. Maybe. Sorta.....hows your insurance?
This kind of stuff is dangerous though. You will need heavy duty jacks, pads, cribbing, some beams, forethought and planning for all contingencies; ie, there is a reason people who do this for a living get the big bucks.
Btw, it is considered best form to start your own thread/topic rather than highjack someone else's. The specifics of what you are doing gets mixed in with the original and the continuity gets lost.
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 16 Nov 2021 05:44
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Cedar cabin..have any pictures of the actualy foundation, underside and framing under the cabin? Just like cars cabins can be shiny on the top and a total disaster where it matters...the underside.
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Aklogcabin
Member
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# Posted: 16 Nov 2021 09:57
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Yes. Do you know how much you have to lift it ? That is a beautiful cabin. Glad you can get some more life out of it.
Stay positive, you'll get it
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