One of these are the jacks used for leveling. In traditional frame homes, support columns sit inside the home. Here, leveling jacks are usually located in a basement or crawl space to allow easy access for adjustments. Because conventional framing is lighter than log construction, jacks can be adjusted up or down using a wrench without much effort. Log homes on the other hand, have support beams on the exterior. Leveling jacks are difficult to access as they must be built in to be protected from the elements. Also, because log homes are so heavy, adjusting the leveling jacks takes lots of muscle and requires large wrenches.
Recognizing this limitation, Joyce Dayton, in conjunction with its distributor of jacks and powertrain components, Trans Quip Inc., Grimsby, Ont., Canada, developed custom worm gear machine screw jacks. The upright jacks, available in 5 and 10-ton capacities with vertical travel of 6 in., are built into log homes, placed between underground concrete supports and the exterior post framing.
A keyway on the jack engages an air or electric drill that powers the screw, and the home, up and down. Previously, says the company, it took three to five days to level a log home. The new, powered jacks accomplish this task in half a day. Circle 403