How to lift studs

[419]

Is raising the ceiling joists the only way?

Raising the ceiling joists will probably just lift them off the top plates without lifting the studs under them, not least because the top plates are carrying the roof load which should be heavier than the ceiling joists and lining. You need to lift the top plate, which can be done by jacking up the studs under the top plate as others have suggested.

I've done this occasionally and have found that the easiest way to do it is to nail about 900mm long cleat of same dimensions as rotted studs to one side of each stud with nails that fully penetrate cleat and existing stud, then jack under the cleat. When it reaches desired height you can 'sister' a cleat on the other side bearing on the bottom plate . The sister should be 900mm+ above bottom of old stud. You can nail, nail and glue, or bolt and nut the sister to the old stud. Make sure nails or bolts are staggered along grain on old stud so you don't create a split line. If you want 'belt and braces' security, you can put a sister on both sides of the old stud.

I might have misunderstood what you're trying to achieve, but is it really worth doing all of this if the studs have dropped only 5mm? Why not just install a bottom plate that's 5mm thicker and force the stud ends onto it?

[kevviek]

That’s why I suggested a big lever, you can use a stud or smaller for a cleat and it keeps the area totally clear, only problem is you need a second person

I will be able to get a second person. I know this is guesswork but do you think a 1.5m length of 100x50 would be a big enough lever?

[mic-d]

I will be able to get a second person. I know this is guesswork but do you think a 1.5m length of 100x50 would be a big enough lever?

Almost certainly not long enough, if your fulcrum is back 500mm then it's only a 1m lever. OK a fat person may work. I'd want a 2.7-3m piece I reckon but yes it is guess work

[kevviek]

I might have misunderstood what you're trying to achieve, but is it really worth doing all of this if the studs have dropped only 5mm? Why not just install a bottom plate that's 5mm thicker and force the stud ends onto it?

That’s a good question. The primary reason is that an adjoining window has dropped on one side and doesn’t open properly. Other than that I could just trim 5mm off the new bottom plate. If I try to force it I’m pretty sure I’ll just push the existing studs inside the house and damage the plaster.

The photos should help understand the issue.

[kevviek]

Back there next week, so will try out the options. (It’s a holiday house)

[droog]

How thick does the timber need to be? I just looked at my car trolley jack and it’s not because it needs 100-150mm horizontal clearance for the wheels. Bottle jacks are fairly round aren’t they?

I used 90x45, most small to medium hydraulic bottle jacks will be ok. You are only lifting a relatively small point load in one area, you dont need to lift the entire side of the house.

[kevviek]

I used 90x45, most small to medium hydraulic bottle jacks will be ok. You are only lifting a relatively small point load in one area, you dont need to lift the entire side of the house.

It was a lot easier than I was expecting.
78971684-01CF-4E2A-982E-FF85D956EE4B.jpeg

[mic-d]

Installer: It was a lot easier than I was expecting

Bottom plate: I'm really glad it wasn't difficult!

[kevviek]

Correct, some “encouragement” was needed !