Restoring Structural Integrity and Peace of Mind: A Full Subfloor and Joist Replacement in Crawfordville, AR

 

When floors feel soft, spongy, or unstable, the problem is rarely cosmetic. In this Crawfordville, Arkansas home, those warning signs pointed to severe structural failure beneath the surface. What began as a request for an estimate turned into a critical repair project focused on safety, longevity, and restoring confidence in a home that has sheltered the homeowner since 1980.

This project highlights why proper inspection, full structural replacement, and professional stabilization methods are essential when dealing with widespread floor system damage.

The Problem: Rotten Subfloors, Failing Joists, and Structural Risk

The homeowner contacted us after noticing soft, spongy floors throughout the home. Her primary concern was peace of mind. After decades in the same house, she wanted assurance that her floors were safe and that she wouldn’t risk falling through them.

Our inspection revealed extensive damage, including:

• Rotten subfloors across large sections of the home
• Degraded and broken floor joists
• Sistered joists from a previous repair that were already failing
• Severe termite and humidity damage
• Loss of structural integrity throughout the floor system

Although some joists had been replaced two years earlier, moisture and pest damage continued to spread. The existing repairs were no longer effective. At this stage, partial fixes were no longer a viable option.

Why Sistered Joists Were No Longer Enough

In many homes, sistering joists can be an acceptable short-term repair. In this case, however, the sistered wood had already begun to degrade. The underlying issues—humidity exposure and long-term structural decay—meant the only responsible solution was full wood replacement.

Continuing with patchwork repairs would have compromised safety and increased long-term costs. A comprehensive reframing was the only way to restore the home’s integrity.

The Scope of Work: Full Subfloor, Joist, Rim Band, and Main Beam Replacement

Based on measurements and structural layout, the repair plan included:

Subfloor Replacement

• East side of main beam: 37 ft x 13 ft
• West side of main beam: 18 ft x 13 ft
• Work began in the living room, extending into the first bedroom
• West-side replacement ran from the back bedroom to the kitchen wall

Joist and Beam Repairs

• Complete removal and replacement of rotten joists
• 20 feet of main beam replacement running north to south
• 25 feet of rim band replacement on the east wall

Two bathrooms were located on the west side of the beam. The homeowner and her son handled vanity and bathtub removal ahead of installation, helping reduce additional costs and keep the project moving efficiently.

The Solution: Professional Reframing and Structural Stabilization

Once demolition began, the extent of damage became even clearer. Nearly all subfloor and joist systems were compromised. The home had lost much of its structural integrity.

Our solution included:

• Full reframing of the affected floor system
• Replacement of all rotten structural wood
• Use of bottle jacks and SmartJacks to lift and stabilize the home
• Precision leveling to address long-term settlement
• Heavy application of LumberKote in high-humidity areas to protect new lumber

Even after reframing, the home required careful adjustment to correct sagging. Once properly lifted and stabilized, the structure achieved the support it had been missing for years.

Why Proper Materials and Methods Matter in Structural Repairs

Structural repairs are not just about replacing wood—they are about preventing future failure. In this project:

• Full replacement ensured no hidden decay remained
• Professional lifting equipment restored load-bearing balance
• LumberKote provided critical protection against moisture and termites
• Long-term stabilization protected the homeowner’s investment

Cutting corners in structural repairs can leave homeowners at risk. Doing it right ensures safety, durability, and peace of mind.

A Customer-First Approach That Makes a Difference

Understanding the homeowner’s financial situation, we made the decision not to charge for the SmartJacks. Our goal was not just to complete a project, but to take care of the homeowner and ensure her home was safe and livable.

Clear communication, detailed explanations, and transparency were priorities from start to finish.

The Result: Safe, Level Floors and a Happy Homeowner

After completion:

• Floors were level and solid
• Cracks closed as structural support was restored
• The home regained proper stabilization
• The homeowner felt safe living in her home again

5-Star Customer Review:
“I’m very happy with my service. Floors are level and cracks are closed. Workmen very knowledgeable about what can be done to fix problems.”

Need Subfloor or Joist Repair in Arkansas? Get a Professional Inspection

Soft floors, sagging rooms, or recurring repairs are signs of deeper structural issues. Addressing them early with the right methods can save money—and prevent serious safety risks.

If you’re experiencing spongy floors, rotting subfloors, or failing joists, schedule a professional inspection today. Our team specializes in structural floor repairs, full reframing, and long-term stabilization solutions designed to protect your home and your peace of mind.

Contact us now to get a clear plan, honest answers, and repairs done the right way.