Teleposts

Scott Lawrence From Lawrence Construction Talks About Teleposts In Your Home

“Teleposts? or steel jack posts are adjustable beams used to support the main beams in the basement.

Teleposts are steel columns located under beams on the lower level of homes to support the beams and floor structure of the house. These posts rest on the footings beneath the basement floor slab. Teleposts are designed to be adjusted to accommodate movement in these footings due to soil settlement, seasonal expansion, and the clay soil contraction in our area.

Determining the location of the beams and teleposts in a home is the first step in any adjustment.

Homeowners often talk about “leveling” a beam by telepost adjustment, but this description is inaccurate. What should be attempted is to maintain as straight a beam as possible, with little concern about level. Most homes will settle in one or more directions, which makes leveling the beams impossible. Maintaining a straight main beam will prevent bumps in the floors above and minimize cracks and movement in the walls.

Adjusting teleposts, also known as screw jacks or adjustable steel columns, is an important maintenance task for houses in Saskatchewan, as well as in other regions with similar climates and soil conditions. Here’s why it’s important:

1. Structural Damage: If teleposts are not adjusted correctly, the weight of the house may not be evenly distributed, leading to uneven settling of the foundation. This can result in cracks in the walls, uneven floors, and other structural damage over time.

2. Safety: Adjusting teleposts ensures that the house remains stable and safe for occupants. It reduces the risk of structural failure or collapse, particularly during extreme weather events like heavy snow or windstorms.

3. Insurance Requirements: Some insurance companies may require homeowners to properly maintain and adjust teleposts as part of their policy conditions. Failure to do so could result in coverage issues or increased premiums.

4. Compliance with Building Codes: Building codes in Saskatchewan and elsewhere often require that teleposts be properly adjusted to ensure structural integrity. Failure to comply with these codes could result in fines or penalties.

5. Cost Savings: Regularly adjusting teleposts can help prevent costly structural repairs in the future. By maintaining the integrity of the foundation, homeowners can avoid the expense of fixing cracks, uneven floors, or other damage caused by foundation settlement.

Overall, adjusting teleposts is a crucial aspect of home maintenance in Saskatchewan, helping to ensure the structural integrity, safety, and longevity of residential buildings in this challenging climate.