To jack a shed up, you need to carefully lift a structurally sound part of its frame using a suitable jack, ensuring the lifting is slow and even to prevent damage or instability, and immediately supporting the lifted section with sturdy blocking or cribbing.
Jacking up a shed is often necessary for various reasons, such as leveling the base, repairing damaged skids or joists, or moving the structure. It requires careful planning, the right tools, and a focus on safety. The process involves identifying strong points on the shed's frame, utilizing a hydraulic or mechanical jack, and using temporary support structures to hold the shed's weight once lifted.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the necessary equipment:
- Hydraulic or Bottle Jack: Capable of lifting the shed's weight.
- Sturdy Lumber or Cribbing: 4x4s, 6x6s, or layers of smaller lumber to build temporary support structures.
- Pry Bar: To gently separate the shed from its base if stuck.
- Level: To check if the shed is level after lifting.
- Safety Gear: Work gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots.
- Shims: Small pieces of wood or composite material for fine adjustments.
Preparation Steps
- Empty the Shed: Remove everything from inside the shed to reduce its weight and make the job safer.
- Clear the Area: Ensure the space around the shed is clear of obstructions.
- Inspect the Shed: Check the condition of the shed's frame, skids, and foundation. Identify the strongest points where you can safely place the jack and blocking.
- Determine the Lifting Point: According to guidelines for jacking, you must "Find a solid part of the shed's frame, typically a corner or a beam that can bear the weight as the shed is lifted." Avoid placing the jack on weak or rotting wood.
The Jacking Process
Lifting a shed is a gradual process. Never attempt to lift the entire shed at once or lift it too high in a single go.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack under the designated solid lifting point. If jacking a corner, place it directly under the corner where the skid and walls meet. If lifting a beam, position it squarely underneath. Use a sturdy board or piece of plywood under the jack if the ground is soft.
- Begin Lifting: Slowly raise the jack, ensuring the shed moves evenly upwards. This step requires patience and precision; rushing can cause the shed to tilt or, worse, the jack to slip. Lift only a small amount at a time, perhaps an inch or two.
- Insert Blocking/Cribbing: As soon as there is a gap between the shed and the ground or original foundation, immediately insert sturdy lumber or cribbing beneath the lifted section. This blocking acts as a safety net and supports the weight. Build the cribbing solid and stable.
- Repeat the Process: Move to another lifting point (e.g., an adjacent corner or along the same beam) and repeat the lifting and blocking process. Continue working around the shed, lifting a little at each point and adding blocking until the shed is at the desired height.
- Maintain Stability: Constantly monitor the shed's stability. If it begins to tilt, lower it slightly and reposition the jack or blocking.
- Leveling: Once the shed is approximately at the correct height, use a level to check if it's sitting evenly. Make fine adjustments by slightly lifting sections and adding shims on top of the blocking or under the permanent support structure you are installing.
- Lowering (If Applicable): If you need to lower the shed onto a new foundation or adjusted base, slowly lower the jack at each point, removing the blocking incrementally as the shed's weight transfers to the new support.
Safety First
- Never Work Under an Unsupported Shed: Always ensure the shed is supported by stable blocking or cribbing, not just the jack, before you place any part of your body under it.
- Lift Slowly and Evenly: Rushing is dangerous. Lift in small increments and check stability frequently.
- Use Appropriate Jacks: Ensure the jack has sufficient capacity for the shed's weight.
- Solid Ground/Base: Place the jack on a firm surface. Use a thick board if the ground is soft.
- Check Weather: Avoid jacking in windy conditions or on unstable ground caused by rain.
By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can effectively jack up a shed to perform necessary repairs or adjustments.
