What’s the cost of IntelliJack™ Crawl Space Jacks?

Costs vary based on the condition of the crawl space and the scope of the installation. JES Foundation Repair values your budget and safety, offering free inspections, clear estimates, and flexible financing options.

What’s the installation timeline for IntelliJack™?

The duration depends on the damage extent and crawl space dimensions but generally it is completed within a couple of days. JES Foundation Repair ensures a quick and efficient service, with minimal disruption.

How Floor Joists Support Your Home’s Foundation

Written By: Groundworks Editorial Team
Published on: June 1, 2021
Updated on: August 12, 2026

Have you noticed squeaky floors or other problematic signs around your home? Basements and crawl spaces require durable floor joist systems for support. These structures uphold your flooring, furniture, and everything else above the foundation’s underground area.

This page explores floor joists, common issues that cause damage, and the repair methods that stop the squeaks for good.

What Is a Floor Joist?

Floor joists are horizontal framing supports essential to your home’s structural integrity. They span between beams or load-bearing walls to support the subfloor and the floor above. Properly sized and spaced floor joists create a robust and stable platform that distributes weight evenly throughout the home’s structure.

Floor joists are crucial structural components that support your floor system. Choosing the right type depends on several factors, inluding span requirements, budget, and desired floor characteristics. Here are the three common floor joist types used in residential construction:

Solid Lumber Joists: These are a traditional option with span capabilities depending on the size and lumber grade.
I-Joists: These contain solid wood flanges and a web of oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. They are durable and typically span longer distances than solid lumber joists of similar size; however, they offer minimal flex comparable to solid lumber.
Open-Web Floor Trusses: Made from dimensional lumber (like 2x4s) with diagonal webbing and metal connector plates, these offer utility accessibility and longer spans than solid lumber joists. Though they flex more than I-joists, proper engineering and installation can reduce this to acceptable levels.

Contact a foundation repair expert to determine the most suitable floor joist type for your home and to ensure proper installation according to local building codes.